Elizabeth Bishop: A Miracle for Breakfast by Megan Marshall

Elizabeth Bishop: A Miracle for Breakfast by Megan Marshall is an award winning biography of American poet Elizabeth Bishop (1911-1979) that provides readers with an intricate glimpse into her mysterious and complex character. Through intensive research and personal interviews, Megan Marshall re-creates the life of Bishop with a vivid and inspiring portrait of the poet’s various relationships, travels, and writings.

In her biograph, Marshall seeks to capture the essence of Bishop’s tale—the American poet who spent a difficult childhood in an orphanage and provisional houses, whom critics deemed as unassuming, faithful, and determined. The biographer’s work reveals an individual whose life and work were touched by several influential individuals - including Marianne Moore, Robert Lowell, and Frederick Buechner - thrusting her into the limelight with their letters and instructions.

Elizabeth Bishop: A Miracle for Breakfast is divided into two parts. The first part revolves around Bishop’s early life, detailing her relationship with her family, her difficult journey from Nova Scotia to Massachusetts, and her deep love for her beloved brother. During this period, Bishop experienced extreme loneliness and melancholy. Yet throughout it all, her incredible strength of will persevered.

The second part of the biography dives deep into Bishop’s life as an adult, chronicling her many travels to different countries, impressions of meeting different people, and the lasting effect that these encounters had on her. In particular, she draws inspiration from the people and cultures she encountered while traveling in South America, absorbing their stories and vitality into her works. Her time abroad also strengthened her commitment to writing and honed her poetic voice, allowing her to devote herself to her passion without apology.

As her readers will discover, Elizabeth Bishop occupies a complex and fascinating place in American literature. Her life was full of contrasts and paradoxes – the experience of profound loss and tragedy, along with success and influence – that only the most talented writer could capture. Megan Marshall’s biography is a testament to Bishop’s legacy and legacy, recounting the full scope of her work and personal struggles in loving, captivating detail.

Throughout this biography, readers will be treated to a unique and intimate look at Elizabeth Bishop – a woman whose often overlooked greatness is made more apparent by Megan Marshall’s skillful insight. The author also aims to emphasize Bishop’s relevance to the struggles and triumphs of the modern era, presenting an inspirational account of her courage and poise in the face of life’s obstacles. Elizabeth Bishop: A Miracle for Breakfast is a must-read for those seeking to familiarize themselves with this American icon’s life and works.