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 Review
Hotel du Lac – a light escape by Anita Brookner
Although set in a completely different part of France, this book reminded me of Bonjour Tristesse. Perhaps because of its central character – a female left to her own devices trying to find a foothold in idleness. Narrated by Edith Hope, a middle-aged English writer of clever romance novels, Hotel du Lac opens withContinueContinue reading “Hotel du Lac – a light escape by Anita Brookner”
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.”
A Journey round Suffolk – Sebald’s Rings of Saturn reviewed
It’s with some shame that I admit I’ve had this book on my shelf for years but only just got round to reading it. Described as an influence by many of the psychogeographers that fill my bookshelves, I was expecting great things. Based in August 1992, this piece of writing weaves history and landscape togetherContinueContinue reading “A Journey round Suffolk – Sebald’s Rings of Saturn reviewed”
Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin: Selected Poems. A Review
This is an extensive selection of poems, many of which feel like the poetic interpretation of a Chagall painting, full of dream-like, surreal imagery haunted by ghosts and steeped in natural imagery such as ‘The Girl who Married the Reindeer’. The earlier poems at the beginning of the collection are filled with references to agricultureContinueContinue reading “Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin: Selected Poems. A Review”
Lantern, Sean Hewitt: A Review
This debut collection feels very much like a prayer in praise of the natural world and the symbiosis between man and nature. Almost every poem is steeped in the language of the natural world and many make direct reference to religion. From the opening poem ‘Leaf’, we are treated to natural images that feel bothContinueContinue reading “Lantern, Sean Hewitt: A Review”
All the Beggars Rising: Lucy Caldwell
Being Various was one of my favourite books in 2019, so I was intrigued to read more fiction from Lucy Caldwell. Enter All the Beggars Rising. Written from the point of view of Lara, a middle-aged woman with a chequered childhood, it’s a story about struggling to shrug off the ghosts of the past. It’sContinueContinue reading “All the Beggars Rising: Lucy Caldwell”
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”
That They May Face the Rising Sun: A Review
Although published in 2002, McGahern’s last novel has no tangible sense of time – apart from a reference to watching ‘Blind Date’ and the recent Enniskillen bombing, this could be set anytime in the 20th century. Set in rural Leitrim amongst a smattering of houses around a lake, this is a novel where time isContinueContinue reading “That They May Face the Rising Sun: 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”
Nicola Heaney 