Charles Rammelkamp Boeken

Ah, youth! Charles Rammelkamp's ME AND SAL PARADISE is a poetic tale of the hitchhiking adventures of a young man in his early twenties. It's the early 1970s, when Jack Kerouac's influenced America's youth with his romantic tales of cross-country adventures by car. One sequence of poems illuminates a 1971 hitchhiking adventure from the Midwest to Montreal and back, a pair of friends crossing Canada and New York state. Another sequence relates the solo adventures the following summer, also originating in the Midwest, of the author who this time heads to San Francisco, where his twin brother is living in the famed Haight-Asbury district. Through these journeys, we contemplate with the narrator the meanings of youth, friendship, and inevitably personal destiny.

The story follows a temp agency employee navigating a series of bizarre assignments, where he must often improvise and create his own rules. As the narrative unfolds, the protagonist encounters increasingly absurd situations, yet his attitude remains consistent, showcasing resilience and adaptability in the face of life's challenges. The book explores themes of absurdity and the human experience through the lens of unconventional work scenarios.

Exploring the inevitability of death, the poetry delves into personal experiences, including the author's twin brother's terminal cancer and the physical decline of once-mighty figures. Through honest and heartfelt verses, it reflects on mortality and the changes it brings to the body and spirit. This collection invites readers to confront their own feelings about life and death in a profound way.

This collection of poetry, awarded the 2022 Blue Light Poetry Prize, showcases the author's unique voice and profound themes. The poems explore personal and universal experiences, blending vivid imagery with emotional depth. The work invites readers to reflect on identity, loss, and resilience, making it a compelling addition to contemporary poetry. Each piece resonates with authenticity, connecting the reader to the complexities of life and the beauty found within.

Through a series of dramatic monologues, the book explores a century of Russian history, focusing on the perspectives of a fictional Jewish character, Alexander Federmesser, and Maria Rasputin, daughter of the notorious Grigory Rasputin. The narrative delves into the social upheaval leading to the Bolshevik Revolution, the conflict between Red and White Russians, and the harsh realities under Communist rule. Additionally, it highlights the pervasive Anti-Semitism of the time, offering a rich tapestry of personal and historical insights.