Beyond Where Words Can Go

A sweeping collection of narrative sonnets intertwines a decades-spanning love story with 16th-century English ecclesiastical history. Beyond Where Words Can Go is so many things at once: a collection of finely wrought narrative sonnets; a deeply felt (and highly unusual) love story spanning decades; a meticulously researched account of 16th-century English ecclesiastical history and practice--all in the space of 2800 lines! With psychological precision, subtle humor, and unfailing empathy, Smith brings to life not just a few central characters, but an entire monastery full of vivid and indelible individuals. He has created an utterly original work of literature, as generous as it is sui generis.--Gary Krist, author of Trespassers at the Golden Gate and The Mirage Factory