#Review: Faraway Tables by Eric D. Goodman

Eric D. Goodman’s Faraway Tables is a diverse collection of poems exploring themes like nostalgia, resilience, connection, and the paradoxes of modern life. The work is divided into multiple sections—Savor, Ache, Enough, and More (or Less)—that reflect the emotional landscapes the poems traverse. Goodman presents snapshots of ordinary moments imbued with universal truths through comprehensible language and evocative imagery.

The poems oscillate between personal and collective memory, juxtaposing intimacy with global concerns. Pieces like “Patience” and “Toast to Friendship” showcase Goodman’s talent for connecting small, domestic details with broader reflections on time, effort, and human connections. Themes of mortality and the ephemeral nature of life surface in “As for the Ticket” and “Last Call,” while “Avocado Toast” ventures into socio-political commentary, blending the personal with the global.

Goodman employs a conversational tone, making the collection accessible without sacrificing depth. His language is direct yet layered with subtle metaphors and allusions. In “Notre Dame Bardo,” the interplay of light and shadow symbolizes existential liminality, while “Embracing Hermithood” captures the reluctant yet transformative isolation of the pandemic. Goodman’s use of line breaks and enjambment mirrors the rhythm of thought and emotion, drawing the reader into the immediacy of his reflections.

One of the collection’s strengths is its ability to capture profound insights through mundane observations. Goodman transforms everyday actions, like brewing tea or walking a dog, into meditations on patience, loss, and gratitude. His poems often conclude with striking epiphanies, leaving readers reflective.

The accessibility of Goodman’s style sometimes teeters on the edge of simplicity, potentially alienating readers who seek denser, more experimental poetry. While many poems shine individually, the collection as a whole could benefit from tighter thematic cohesion. Certain pieces, such as “Pests” or “Gulp,” feel less impactful compared to standout works like “Water Fall Blues” or “True.”

Written during the pandemic, Faraway Tables reflects a world grappling with uncertainty and change. Goodman’s reflections on isolation, nostalgia, and global interconnectedness make the collection particularly relevant. The book will appeal to readers who enjoy accessible, reflective poetry that balances personal narrative with broader societal insights.

Faraway Tables is an engaging and evocative collection that invites readers to find beauty in the mundane and wisdom in moments of stillness. While not without its imperfections, Goodman’s work is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the fleeting and the eternal within the same breath.

Find this book here.