Beth Ann Hooper

The Roots That Clutch

 

“The Roots That Clutch should be on the short list for every book club in the world.”
Fred Bannister, Texas teacher ★★★★★

“Magnificent!”
Joan Levine, New York poet and writer ★★★★★

“A compelling mix of poignancy, hopefulness, and of course, poetic justice.”
Lit Amri ★★★★★

“Overall […] a compelling read.”
Lisa Jones of Readers’ Favorite ★★★★★

“A great read… I wanted more.”
Rosalyn Baxandall ★★★★★

“An utterly engaging, delicious read.”
Phyllis E. Ring, writer ★★★★★

“This was a book I read, not once, but twice, as it beckoned to me.”
D.B. Moone, writer, editor, book reviewer ★★★★★

“Recommended!”
Bert Bukman, Dutch writer and journalist ★★★★★

 

Independent Press Award:
Winner Best Book Cover Design Non-Fiction 2024
Distinguished Favorite World Literature 2024

 

About the book

Poets and scholars.
Gatekeepers and rites of passage.
Family secrets and literary scandals.
Betrayal and poetic justice.

 

From the Independent Press Award:

The Roots That Clutch, a hauntingly true tale, embarks on a 21-year journey alongside Jane, a budding scholar. Through her PhD research on the literary giants T.S. Eliot and Ezra Pound, a shocking discovery unravels: her grandmother's hidden affair with another titan of American Modernism, William Carlos Williams. This revelation throws a shadow of doubt on Jane's own lineage, hinting at a potential biological connection to Williams.

Jane's narrative, a Bildungsroman, traces her path through prestigious universities and dusty manuscript libraries across Europe and the United States. It's a tapestry woven with the potent threads of betrayal, destiny, and a yearning for poetic justice. As a student navigating the treacherous waters of academic politics and professorial backstabbing, Jane finds solace in the support of a few exceptional mentors who recognize her innate gift for unlocking fresh perspectives within poetry.

Driven by an unwavering intuition, Jane perseveres through endless challenges. She delves deep into the poetic dialogues between Eliot, Pound, and their Victorian forebears, unearthing a treasure trove of Eliot's previously unpublished letters to Pound. These letters lay bare a truth that transcends academic intrigue – the poets themselves are not strangers to betrayal.

Meanwhile, a family heirloom gifted by Jane's father unveils a poignant inscription by Williams, echoing his lifelong distrust of Eliot. This inscription becomes another piece in the puzzle Jane is meticulously piecing together, blurring the lines between literary history and personal revelation.

The Roots That Clutch promises a captivating exploration of poetry, family secrets, and the enduring human search for truth. Its captivating narrative, spanning continents and decades, invites readers to delve into the heart of literary history and ponder the complex web of relationships that bind us together. With each twist and turn, Jane's journey reminds us that the past holds potent stories waiting to be unearthed, and sometimes, the truth we seek lies hidden within the very words that have shaped our world.