A Dazzling New Review for Self Geofferential by Charles Borkhuis

The latest review of Geoffrey Gatza’s Self Geofferential comes from esteemed poet, playwright, and essayist Charles Borkhuis, offering a deeply insightful exploration of both the poetry and illustrations in the book. Borkhuis describes Self Geofferential as “a dazzling new book of brilliant poems for the mind’s eye to feast upon,” recognizing the interplay between Gatza’s visual and poetic elements. He highlights how the paintings and collages reflect a world of fragmented yet vivid experiences, citing the line, “I am telling you a story about a sunny day but at the moment it’s raining glass,” as a prime example of Gatza’s exploration of perception and reality.

Borkhuis praises the book as “a scintillating bouquet of colors, tastes, and branching sensual encounters” that encourage readers to experience words in fresh and unexpected ways. He acknowledges Gatza’s approach to time and perception, emphasizing how slowing down can lead to “a spark of inspiration” and a rediscovery of the world’s magic.

Beyond its abstract wonders, Self Geofferential also engages with personal histories, familial relationships, and childhood reflections. Borkhuis observes how the book widens its scope to address “the biggest little sadness” of childhood and the emotional legacies passed through generations. He also notes the book’s compelling retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, where a child, hearing the tale from a loving grandmother, begins to wonder, “just maybe, you are a wolf too”—a moment that underscores the book’s themes of transformation and identity.

Borkhuis draws connections between Gatza’s poetry and his work as a children’s book author, particularly The Albatross Around the Neck of Albert Ross, emphasizing a shared sense of adventure and wonder. He likens Gatza’s visual poetry to the works of Henri Rousseau and René Magritte, highlighting the dreamlike qualities and surprising elements that make his illustrations stand out.

A particularly striking discussion in the review focuses on Gatza’s two-part poem Henry Darger Dreams of Emily Dickinson. Borkhuis describes it as an elliptical, shifting meditation on life, death, and memory, praising its ability to reframe traditional themes in unexpected ways. He notes how “multiple meanings reverberate like intersecting ripples around pebbles tossed in a stream,” capturing the fluid movement and resonance that characterize Gatza’s poetry.

Borkhuis concludes by describing Self Geofferential as “continually cooking up new experiences, exotic taste treats, and sensual liaisons in celebration of living life from top to bottom and back again.” The review recognizes Gatza’s keen eye for language and his ability to capture both the bustling energy and quiet solitude of America’s landscapes. Through a masterful blend of words and painterly images, Self Geofferential presents a soulful, carefully wrought collection that invites readers into its layered, luminous world.

This thoughtful and evocative review further solidifies Self Geofferential as an essential read for those who appreciate innovative poetry and visual artistry. Readers are encouraged to explore Gatza’s latest work, stepping into its collaged landscapes, savoring its language, and uncovering its many shimmering layers.

Read the whole review here:

https://compulsivereader.com/2025/04/02/a-review-of-self-geofferential-by-geoffrey-gatza/

Self Geofferential is available for purchase here
https://www.blazevox.org/shop-1/p/self-geofferential-by-geoffrey-gatza