Rendered with crucial honesty, these poems center women's experiences in Appalachia and reveal their often-overlooked stories and perspectives.

Simultaneously tender and biting, Hillbilly Madonna ushers in a vital new voice in southern poetics, one that will stick with readers far beyond the wooded foothills of Ohio.

In a sea of writing about rural America, Wagner's collection stands out as especially insightful. Lived experiences and a deep focus on how place can shape gender roles catapult these poems to the top of modern Appalachian writing.

Readers with an interest in rural American culture or those looking for the next great work of confessional poetry can do no better than Hillbilly Madonna. Gorgeous language and intimate narratives course through these poems and will stay with readers long after they close the last page.

This collection also features a bespoke interview with the writer at then end of the book, delving deeper into the craft, influences, and life behind their work.