The strongest attributes of Failsal Mohyuddin's "The Displaced Children of Displaced Children" combine to create a kind of calm, reflective tone; one which suits his excursions into history and place. The poems are, in part, political, familial, intensely personal; and some of their imagery is almost casually excellent. Having said that, some of the poems … Continue reading “The Displaced Children…”
Category: Poetry
“Venus as a Bear”
This may seem a little harsh, but for me there's little of merit in Vahni Capildeo's collection "Venus as a Bear". Some of the 'poems' in here are, frankly, nonsense. For example, here's the first half of a whole piece: I. the voice of the seed II. you said III. … Continue reading “Venus as a Bear”
“Ricantations”
The Spanish names and phrases that are woven into Loretta Collins Klobah's "Ricantations" endow it with a certain charm, even for the non-Spanish speaker like me. The poems have a lilt to them, and are clearly rooted in the Puerto Rico that is laid bare and celebrated in this volume. The sense of place and … Continue reading “Ricantations”
“A Ted Hughes Bestiary”
I don't think I have ever come across a collection of poems more suited to reading aloud then "A Ted Hughes Bestiary", edited by Alice Oswald. Because most may be perfect to be heard, many are - I found - difficult to read. Consequently I struggled with quite of few of these. I think the … Continue reading “A Ted Hughes Bestiary”
“Nowhere Nearer”
Even if a small percentage of the poems in Alice Miller's "Nowhere Nearer" didn't quite come off (for me at least), overall I really liked this compact little volume. It has a style and voice that resonates with me. I guess that's one of the unique things about poetry; not just its ability to speak … Continue reading “Nowhere Nearer”
Threat
Camouflaged by the city, men on mopeds sheathed in helmets and the immature roar of under-powered engines, keep their dialogue to themselves. With no idea we are being watched there is no vulnerability, no fear that we are profoundly exposed. Strangers measure us through lenses we never see, our casual movements recorded and … Continue reading Threat
New titles now published!
Coverstory books is pleased to be able to announce the following title: "An Infinity of Mirrors" - publication date, 1st May 2018 Given his profession as a Historian, it was inevitable that Mark would find himself one day writing the biography of his late father, the acclaimed author Charles Packard. As his biographer, Mark is … Continue reading New titles now published!
Global Warning
Global Warning Shallow pools of meltwater reflect high summer sun in the empty immensity glazing the top of our world. Winds and currents conspire to generate imperceptible drifts, journeys that will last years. And as the … Continue reading Global Warning
“The Long Take”
Atmospheric. If we ignore the format for a moment, I have to say that Robin Robertson's "The Long Take" is tremendously atmospheric. It paints a picture of post-war America - and the brutality of the D-Day landings of WW2 - brilliantly, weaving the two within the darkness of a Veteran's internal struggles and the rebirth … Continue reading “The Long Take”
Writing Diary – update
Way ahead of schedule, so great progress! Update 18th April: Novel - "An Infinity of Mirrors": proof copy arrived, awaiting final review Short Story collection - "Degrees of Separation": draft finished; proof copy to be ordered Poetry - "After the Rehearsals": draft finished; proof copy ordered and awaiting delivery I can now think about planning … Continue reading Writing Diary – update
Ian Gouge - Writer 