Review of Signals Across Vast Distances: Essays and Tales by Elizabeth Alexander

This slim work of nonfiction packs a punch; Alexander (also the author of the exquisite memoir The Light of the World) delves into matters of race, inequality, history, art, and the power of poetry. I found myself wishing for more pages and deeper explorations of these pivotal issues.

We send signals across vast distances, hoping to connect.

Dr. Elizabeth Alexander draws her book's title from the quote above, which is from a 1968 poem by Muriel Rukeyser.

In this slim work of nonfiction (the audiobook is less than three hours long; the print version is 144 pages), the poet, literary scholar, former Yale and Columbia professor, and writer positions thoughts, reflections, and calls to action within the framework of our present-day world, its many challenges--and opportunities for change.

Alexander often uses poetry excerpts from various sources as the framework for her passionate observations. She evokes the words of James Baldwin, recounts some of her late husband's life story in "My Refugee," notes her time speaking at President Obama's inauguration, digs into our nation's more distant past and inequalities, and also brings up recent events like the January 6 riots.

The book is so short, I wished for more pages, more words, and more depth for these intensely powerful concepts; I wanted additional exploration and further wise reflections from Alexander, and I yearned for her to spend more time on the enormous issues that continue to shape our country.

The print version of Signals Across Vast Distances includes works of art that Alexander finds pivotal; I lacked that visual aspect in the audiobook.

I received a prepublication audio version of this title, which is read by the author, courtesy of NetGalley and Dreamscape Media.

More Works to Check Out

Elizabeth Alexander is also the author of the exquisitely beautiful memoir The Light of the World.

For more Bossy reviews of nonfiction reads, please check out the lists and titles at this link.