There is nothing intrinsically wrong with Gillian Clarke's collection "The Silence". All the poems are entirely competent, 'poetic'. Yet for me they lack any kind of universality, something to which I can relate in such as way as to be moved or inspired or feel the work relevant. Reading them feels a little like skimming … Continue reading “The Silence”
Category: Literature
You’ve written a poem? So What! – and other recent posts
Links to recent posts on my Substack site: My Substack site
Poetry Competition – closes in less than a month!
“Crash” – a new performance this year!
Following its debut performance at the 2023 Ripon Theatre Festival, I will be performing my dramatic poem Crash - the last 30 minutes of a life at the inaugural "WordFest" event in Market Rasen this summer. The performance will be on Saturday 6th July at 10:45 in the Old Magistrates Court, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire, UK. … Continue reading “Crash” – a new performance this year!
“High Ground and other stories”
Is it impossible not to think of James Joyce and "Dubliners" when reading the first story in John McGahern's "High Ground and other stories"? I was instantly transported - and instantly enthralled. Wonderful stuff. And if I worried that the effect would be temporary and I might find everything was downhill after that, then I … Continue reading “High Ground and other stories”
More reviews from the “17 Alma Road” ‘book tour’
Ian Gouge has written a delightful novel that reminded me of the writing style of Virginia Woolf and Ernest Hemingway. I’m my opinion this novel deserves to be up there with these literary greats. - Persephone Sometimes a house is even more than a home. Have you ever visited a house that shines so brightly it … Continue reading More reviews from the “17 Alma Road” ‘book tour’
“The Red Tie” – published tomorrow!
“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 a modest and quiet occupation - yet one which is about to be thrown into turmoil thanks to the arrival of woman, her gift to him, … Continue reading “The Red Tie” – published tomorrow!
“The Paper Men”
William Golding's The Paper Men made me feel uncomfortable; no so much from the subject matter, but because it didn't 'feel' like Golding (who I generally think is superb). The main character's drunkenness didn't seem uniformly portrayed and in some places was unconvincing - though in others, brilliant. In too many places the book felt … Continue reading “The Paper Men”
First reviews from the “17 Alma Road” ‘book tour’ (1)
This was a very deep and descriptive novel that analyses the memories that houses hold and its told through fictional characters. I have great admiration for the way Ian Gouge writes and the wisdom he shares throughout this book. If you like a reflective novel that is a relaxed read then this is the book … Continue reading First reviews from the “17 Alma Road” ‘book tour’ (1)
“The Red Tie” – to be published on 9th April
“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 a modest and quiet occupation - yet one which is about to be thrown into turmoil thanks to the arrival of woman, her gift to him, … Continue reading “The Red Tie” – to be published on 9th April
Ian Gouge - Writer 