Described by the author as “a baffling text”, this is an entirely unique piece of literature. Admittedly, it’s quite difficult to grasp at the outset, written in the second person where the narrator seems to be addressing other forms of himself – but the beauty of the language and the phrasing compelled me to persevere. ContinueContinue reading “Absent Presence by Mahmoud Darwish – a fascinatingly undefinable piece of beauty”
Tag Archives: book blogging
Amy Sackville’s Orkney – a haunting week by the seaside.
It’s difficult to decide whether the main feature in this novel is the relationship between the honeymooners or the Orkney seascape. This is a novel with a very voyeuristic feel – a nameless young bride with long, silvery hair sits for hours gazing out at the sea. Inside the rented cottage, her husband Richard, aContinueContinue reading “Amy Sackville’s Orkney – a haunting week by the seaside.”
Penguin Modern Poets Three: A Review
This series aims to introduce readers to new, contemporary poets. I bought this collection as I’m of the belief that one cannot have enough Sharon Olds poetry in their possession and I’d never read any substantial amounts Booker or Shire although I have been a big fan of everything I’ve read or encountered. Suffice toContinueContinue reading “Penguin Modern Poets Three: A Review”
Christmas in Austin: A Review
Centred around the four Essinger family as they descend upon their family home for Christmas, this is Markovtiz’s seventh novel and a typically incisive examination of the tensions in familial relationships. With each member of the family given their own turn at the narrative we get an insight into the conflict between living a lifeContinueContinue reading “Christmas in Austin: A Review”
Lavinia Greenlaw: A World Where News Travelled Slowly
I recently listened to an old Scottish Poetry Library podcast with Lavinia Greenlaw (if you’ve never tuned in, you must. They really allow the poets to open up on their art and influences) and was really struck by the way she talked about growing up in Essex and the impact her scientific background has hadContinueContinue reading “Lavinia Greenlaw: A World Where News Travelled Slowly”
Nicola Heaney 