I need to be careful... Undoubtedly, there are some good poems in Victoria Kennefick's "egg / shell". Let's start there. The collection concerns itself with two profoundly serious topics: a woman's experience of miscarriage, and the dissolving of her marriage when her husband decides to make the transition away from being a man. I cannot … Continue reading “egg / shell”
“The Humbling”
The thing that strikes me the most about Philip Roth's "The Humbling" is how totally inappropriate the title is. Simon Axler, the lead character, isn't humbled - he's crushed. 'Humbling' suggests someone merely cut down to size, made to see the reality of their situation (but gently perhaps); it even hits at the possibility of … Continue reading “The Humbling”
“Nothing but the night”
You probably don't want to read John William's "Nothing but the night" if you are in any way depressed. Or feeling overwhelmed. Or existential. It won't help lift your mood. Nor if you're looking for a happy ending. Williams dangles one before us, tantalisingly suggesting redemption, then in the last 20 pages rips that possibility … Continue reading “Nothing but the night”
Coverstory books’ 2024 Poetry Competition now open!
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“You can trust me, I’m a ‘celebrity’..!”
Here are the images from some recent posts on Writing until the light goes out, my Substack site. All are free to access. And the 'celebrity' reference? Check-out the To be a 'creative' post... food for thought. My Substack site
Upcoming performances
I have secured two slots to read at the 'Word Fest' event, to be held in Market Rasen on Saturday 6th July. More exciting than that is the prospect of performing Crash again in the autumn! Hopefully checking out a potential venue next week - about which I'm really excited! After that I can start … Continue reading Upcoming performances
Coming soon – “The Red Tie”
“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”
“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”
Ian Gouge - Writer 