Fanny Howe is known for her extensive work as a poet, essayist, and memoirist, emerging as a significant moral compass in modern American literature. Her deep-rooted concern for ethical issues is influenced by her family background, filled with artists, activists, and her experiences throughout significant historical events like World War II, McCarthyism, civil rights movements, and her chosen faith, Catholicism. This sense of ethical responsibility is also reflected in her constant and thoughtful observation of the world, a state of mind she describes as her “staring self.”
“Manimal Woe” is a reflective tribute to Howe’s father, Mark DeWolfe Howe, who was a prominent civil rights advocate, legal scholar, and Harvard Law professor until his passing in 1967. The book delves into the ideals dear to her father, shedding light on personal and historical events, focusing on the intimate details of lived experiences. Included in the book are excerpts from her father’s letters to her, with Howe’s responses forming a significant portion of the narrative. These exchanges are contemplative reflections on life and history, reminiscent of composing a piece of art where one revisits and reinterprets past events, integrating personal insights into the storytelling.
Howe frequently touches upon the concept of history repeating itself, with certain aspects remaining consistent while others evolve over time. She emphasizes how moments from the past resurface with renewed relevance. Even when contemporary issues arise, Howe believes that the full narrative can only be understood retroactively, as events and questions fold into one another creating a complex interconnected web of history.
In her exploration of her family’s history and her own life, Howe underscores the enduring connections between individuals, eras, and the broader currents of history. She observes that elements of the past continue to influence the present, whether in urban landscapes, cultural values, or political ideologies.
Following her father’s death, Howe sifts through his papers as a way to uncover hidden truths – a process akin to an autopsy of the unconscious, where the true essence lies in what remains unsaid. Through her poetic reflections, she finds solace in the irregular rhythm of poetry, a healing force amidst turbulent times characterized by political upheavals and social unrest.
“Manimal Woe” itself defies conventional storytelling, opting for suggestive narratives over clear explanations. Instead of a linear plot, the book weaves together points of connection and tension to paint a portrait of human resilience, challenging the prevailing narrative of complacency in a society that often turns a blind eye to uncomfortable truths.
