“Books talk to the inner person, the secret person; they can make direct contact with all those subterranean feelings and desires you speak of.” Vincent edits books. It is modest and quiet occupation - yet one which is about to be thrown into turmoil thanks to the arrival of woman, her gift to him, and … Continue reading Coming soon – “The Red Tie”
Category: Literature
“Wildlife”
Perhaps the most interesting thing about Richard Ford's "Wildlife" is how little actually happens. It covers a three day period during which.... But I don't want to give it away! The journey (shouldn't there always be a journey?) is for the teenage boy, Joe, and we see the whole thing through his eyes. What's also … Continue reading “Wildlife”
Some new things for you to read…
Curated from my Substack site - 'Writing until the light goes out' - here are some recent pieces for you to enjoy. Just click on the image... Subscription is option - though I'd love it if you did!
“Baby Schema”
I'm afraid Isabel Galleymore's collection Baby Schema just isn't for me. It annoyed me, and I ended up skim-reading the last few poems. Partly this was because of the mono-theme underlying the work throughout (sadly a common approach for some modern collections); the reader gets little relief. Also, in general I struggle with self-indulgent poems … Continue reading “Baby Schema”
Some of last week’s posts elsewhere…
And there are more free posts - including additional draft chapters from 'The French Story'. To find them just click on the link below. My Substack site
“The Piano Tuner”
"The Piano Tuner" is splendid - just like Daniel Mason's "The Winter Soldier". You might argue that it is slightly too drawn-out in the middle, but perhaps that is a textual parallel to the situation in which the central character finds himself. Overall, the writing is - of course - rather fine. The reader is … Continue reading “The Piano Tuner”
New books published today!
Please note: on publication date the Amazon site is showing the 17 Alma Road ebook - 9781738469390 - as a paperback, but at the ebook price. Please do not order 9781738469390 if you want a paperback and think you are getting a cheaper version. You may get an ebook! I am on to Amazon to … Continue reading New books published today!
Virtual book launch TODAY!
This evening I am having an on-line launch of my most recent books - both of which are published tomorrow - with a short reading from each of them: - Grimsby Docks ~ A series of twenty-five poems, each written in response to photographs taken during a single morning. In the mid-19th century, Grimsby docks was perhaps … Continue reading Virtual book launch TODAY!
This week: new books & a virtual launch event!
On Friday 16th February I am having an on-line launch of my most recent books - both of which are published the following day - with a short reading from each of them: - Grimsby Docks ~ A series of twenty-five poems, each written in response to photographs taken during a single morning. In the mid-19th century, … Continue reading This week: new books & a virtual launch event!
“The Forward Book of Poetry 2024”
I can't be sure (how can you be?) but I think this year's Forward Book of Poetry is better than last year's - whatever "better" means... But I am still dismayed by the gimmicks some people use in order to appear 'original', and consequently the work that can get labelled as 'poetry'. For example, there … Continue reading “The Forward Book of Poetry 2024”
Ian Gouge - Writer 