Jennifer McGowan was invited to the Co-op on Tuesday to give a reading of her poetry book entitled "Life in Captivity."This is McGowan's first published book of poetry, although she has been writing and studying literature since an early age. Starting with short stories, she transitioned into more of a poetic concentration later in life. McGowan described living an hour-and-a-half away by train from Oxford where she taught, and the extra time that gave her to concentrate on writing.
"I would work on writing one poem a day on the way to and from work," McGowan said. Another one of her interests is calligraphy, and the artistry on the cover of the book reflects this passion. A distinguished friend of hers, however, did the drawing, which was a response to the final poem in the collection.
The title poem, "Life in Captivity," was the first that she was read, and McGowan gave the audience insight into the motivation for the piece. The character in the poem was taken from her ex-boss, who she said was "a lion of a man." A very visual piece, McGowan gave a life and a voice to the character through animation as the character began his day about his domain.
Many of the other pieces she read were mystical in nature describing different maidens or fairies. Having obtained her doctorate from Oxford in 16th and 17th century witchcraft in Britain, this was an idea very pertinent to her. The interests in calligraphy and medieval concepts that she holds also help to tie into her poetic themes.
She describes "The Merry Maidens" piece as a way for her to stitch together various myths to create one story. McGowan explained laughingly that a writer shouldn't let the absence of truth detract from a good story or poem. The characters in this poem consisted mainly of fairs and the illusions they can create.
She also delved into the aspects of being disabled and an author. Fascinated by a story about a maiden without hands, McGowan expressed dissatisfaction that no one was concerned about the mutilation that had occurred or that this was the way she was recognized.
The variation of the condition that McGowan has was once exploited in turn of the century sideshows. The flexibility in her joints that can be uncomfortable was used to create entertainment because people were amazed at what their bodies could do. However, the poem relates the opposition of glamour at the carnival and the concern in a person's daily family life stemming from this genetic disease.
Catherine Findorak, a 5th-semester English major, said that she was interested in attending the reading because she is, "interested in poetry and how authors form their poetry."Some of the audience members were also curious about McGowan's life and the opportunities she has as a young poet in Britain. She described the many journals now in publication and the bookshops that allow authors to share their works.