Robert Lowell, Setting the River on Fire
A Study of Genius, Mania, and Character
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Robert Lowell, Setting the River on Fire
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Narrated by:
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Jefferson Mays
About this listen
PULITZER PRIZE FINALIST • In this magisterial study of the relationship between illness and art, the best-selling author of An Unquiet Mind, Kay Redfield Jamison, brings an entirely fresh understanding to the work and life of Robert Lowell (1917-1977), whose intense, complex, and personal verse left a lasting mark on the English language and changed the public discourse about private matters.
In his Pulitzer Prize-winning poetry, Robert Lowell put his manic-depressive illness (now known as bipolar disorder) into the public domain, creating a language for madness that was new and arresting. As Dr. Jamison brings her expertise in mood disorders to bear on Lowell’s story, she illuminates not only the relationships among mania, depression, and creativity but also the details of Lowell’s treatment and how illness and treatment influenced the great work that he produced (and often became its subject). Lowell’s New England roots, early breakdowns, marriages to three eminent writers, friendships with other poets such as Elizabeth Bishop, his many hospitalizations, his vivid presence as both a teacher and a maker of poems—Jamison gives us the poet’s life through a lens that focuses our understanding of his intense discipline, courage, and commitment to his art. Jamison had unprecedented access to Lowell’s medical records, as well as to previously unpublished drafts and fragments of poems, and she is the first biographer to have spoken with his daughter, Harriet Lowell. With this new material and a psychologist’s deep insight, Jamison delivers a bold, sympathetic account of a poet who was—both despite and because of mental illness—a passionate, original observer of the human condition.
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Critic reviews
One of the Best Books of the Year: The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, The Seattle Times, and The Times Literary Supplement
“Groundbreaking . . . A real contribution to the literary history of New England . . . A case study of what a person with an extraordinary will, an unwavering sense of vocation, and a huge talent . . . could and could not do about the fact that the defining feature of his gift was also the source of his suffering.” —Dan Chiasson, The New Yorker
"Remarkable . . . Absorbing . . . Jamison approaches Lowell’s vexed life not only with scholarly authority but also with literary talent and confidence . . . One reads this biography—so full of incident—as one would read a novel, led by each page to the next, fearing and hoping as one follows the excruciating volatility of Lowell’s life and the unpredictable evolution of his art.” —Helen Vendler, The New York Review of Books
What listeners say about Robert Lowell, Setting the River on Fire
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Michael J. Kelley
- 05-22-17
The Perfect Combination
Would you listen to Robert Lowell, Setting the River on Fire again? Why?
Yes. The story itself is remarkable, and the poetry that is woven through the story is enhanced by the reading of it.
What was one of the most memorable moments of Robert Lowell, Setting the River on Fire?
The numerous examples of Lowell's courage "under fire"...that is, his ability to repeatedly return to his creative self after multiple attacks of mania and depression.
What about Jefferson Mays’s performance did you like?
His reading of Lowell's poetry was superb!
Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
It made me realize what those with bipolar psychosis must deal with and what courage it takes to know that, even under therapy, this disease can come back into their lives without warning.
Any additional comments?
This was a tour de force by Dr. Jamison! She captured Robert Lowell's life, his creativity, his mental illness and his courage in one complex portrait. No biography that I have read has ever so accurately portrayed the essence of the two elements of creativity and mental illness in terms that a layperson or a medical professional could understand. Her feat was likely facilitated by her own experience with manic depressive disease. Her creative and empathetic writing is exhibited for all to enjoy in this amazing book!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Kindle Customer
- 11-07-21
A Biographical Masterpiece
written with a remarkable capacity to combine tenderness with an attention to detail that Lowell would have wanted.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Cynthia Brideson
- 07-16-24
A treat for the mind and soul
I always love Kay Redfield Jameson’s work, but this one particularly touched me. I have rarely read such a well-rounded, graceful, and affectionate portrait of an artist. I now have a ton of books on my “to read” list by Lowell thanks to this biography!
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- W. T. Baker
- 03-01-18
Disappointing
Is there anything you would change about this book?
Mediocre writing from a Jamison, whose books I have enjoyed. Lowell's life is not particularly interesting from the outside, and there is nothing here Jamison hasn't covered. I am sorry I spent a credit on this book. I am a poet, and I have Bipolar 2.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Whitney
- 02-25-19
The best biography I have ever read
This is an amazing book. Robert Lowell was a person who faltered, a lot. But also openly and honestly reflected on it with much sincerity and brutal truth. He lets us learn lessons through his life and therefore his work. His work was his life. Even if you aren’t interested in poetry I recommend this. Especially if you suffer from bipolar as I do. I felt like I was listening to the life of an old friend. I was brought to tears many times. Having mental illness, being able to relate to someone else who suffered with such close relation thanks to his openness is comforting. I was sad this ended.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- malcolm harris
- 05-14-17
Amazing work incredibly well read.
Where does Robert Lowell, Setting the River on Fire rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
One of the best.
Who was your favorite character and why?
Lowell, of course
Which character – as performed by Jefferson Mays – was your favorite?
Jefferson Mays was terrific, waspy, perfect for Jamison'sbook
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
Total
Any additional comments?
Incredible insight into Manic depression affective disorder , its negatives and positives
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
- Shelly Weiss
- 03-20-18
Repetitive. Had trouble following along.
Couldn't get into the reading flow because the content was so scattered. Not what I was expecting.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Marianne
- 09-01-17
Fabulous and fascinating
Where does Robert Lowell, Setting the River on Fire rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
Although in many ways a tragic biography of one of Americas great poets, the reading is so intelligent and sensitive it makes the whole experience come to life
What other book might you compare Robert Lowell, Setting the River on Fire to and why?
dont know
Which character – as performed by Jefferson Mays – was your favorite?
robert Lowell
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
no
Any additional comments?
Jefferson Mays is a terrific reader
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Lynn
- 12-04-21
Great
This is one of the most interesting books I’ve ever read. It really opened my eyes. After reading Red Comet, a biography of Sylvia Plath I decided to read this. After hearing Lowell was Plath’s teacher and inspiration. I suspect Plath may have suffered, like Lowell, from bipolar. I also read a biography of Jim Morrison who suffered with alcoholism. I suspect however he may have been bipolar too. Though neither he or Plath were ever diagnosed. I’m not a doctor I don’t know. Lowell was fortunate he was able to get diagnosed and treated for bipolar. And able to live longer than either Plath or Morrison.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jordan
- 01-18-23
Brilliant!
Brilliant work, excellent reading, outstanding experience. I have been reading this author for years and this is just a continuation of her scholarly excellence.
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