Books of Hours, Books of Hope. Review by Barbara Lewis. If, like me, you need a reminder of the definition, a book of hours is a devotional manual designed for personal prayer.
year 2025
Peter Grimes. Review by Barbara Lewis. In difficult times, it would seem, people crave total escapism – or deep catharsis from confronting our own failure as humans and society.
A PHYSICAL EDUCATION: John Lucas considers Jonathan Taylor’s perceptive and accessible discussion of the causes and consequences of authorised cruelty in schools and beyond
Poetry review – AGAINST THE STREAM: Andrew Keanie considers a comprehensive selection of Gary Allen’s poetry and sets it in the context of Northern Ireland’s troubled history
Here We Are, by Stephen Sondheim. Review by Graham Buchan. The production of a new work by Stephen Sondheim is a significant event in any cultural calendar.
Poetry review – REAL LEAR: Jennifer Johnson admires the wit and originality on display in this New & Selected from Claire Crowther
Poetry review – IN THE HERE AND NOW: D A Prince commends the craft and wide range displayed in Janet Montefiore’s selected poems
Poetry review – FOREIGN FORAYS: Sue Wallace-Shaddad follows Antony Johae through travel poems in a variety of moods
Poetry review – ALIGHTING IN TIME: Alwyn Marriage explores and enjoys the distinctive language and worldview in Lynne Wycherley’s new collection
Poetry review – THE LEFT-HANDED SNIPER: John Forth commends Alan Dixon’s ability to be outrageously funny while never losing sight of the possible presence of tragedy
Chicago. Review by Barbara Lewis. Born of a rift between French and Dutch speakers in the Belgian city of Leuven, Louvain-la-Neuve, one of Europe’s youngest cities, dates back to 1971 and has a history of creating new traditions.
Poetry review – FANCY THAT AND OTHER POEMS: Chris Beckett clearly enjoys the light-hearted sexual frankness in John Dixon’s poems but finds serious insights as well
By Michael Bartholomew-Biggs • books, poetry reviews, year 2025 0 • Tags: books, Chris Beckett, poetry