We had our roles to play
and we played our roles
to the death—the mother, father,
sister, brother, baby roles
which took our breath away.
from ‘Death in the Family’

Extended Family is a sensual celebration of the varied relationships that make up lives richly lived, from the subtle, intimate interactions of close family members and lovers, to the mutual rewards and stresses of relationships with friends, colleagues, students and housemates. Linda Chase keeps a light touch on the surface of these poems, but their impact is strong and long lasting.

Beginning in America with childhood memories and adolescent love, the first section explores family ties and close friendships before plunging into the chaos and fear of mental breakdown, closing with a series of quirky, compassionate portraits.

In the second section, ‘Younger Men Have Birthdays Too’, a relationship unravels in a sequence of love poems that are tender, then furious, and finally devastating. An edgy wit and a generous humour counter-balance the raw telling of this story.

Whether describing casual interactions, the kindness of friends, the heartbreak of loss or unique moments of insight, Linda Chase’s clear voice and sharp eye for telling detail make this collection shine.
from the book cover