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!
Okay, you’ve written a poem. So what?
I am currently reading a collection of poems which are all well crafted, lyrical, ‘poetic’. Focussing on a limited palette in terms of theme - the natural world, the impact of lockdown, solitude - they all pretty much hit the mark; when you turn the page, as a reader you know what you’re going to … Continue reading Okay, you’ve written a poem. So what?
“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
“Malone Dies”
It's difficult to know what to say about Samuel Beckett's fiction. Bizarrely - and counter-intuitively - the obvious choices might tend toward the trite: "it's hard", "it's rubbish", "I didn't understand a word", "utterly profound" etc. You may know where you stand on this spectrum. And Malone Dies is no easier or harder than anything … Continue reading “Malone Dies”
My virtual book tour starts soon!
Really excited to have my virtual book tour starting soon - and to read the reviews of the tour's hosts. I will ensure I post the highlights here and on my Substack site!
Ian Gouge - Writer 