Ryan’s Return: Brian Docherty takes a thoughtful and observant stroll through Sean O’Brien’s sombre version of West London
books
Pamela Johnson’s latest novel describes the intriguing interplay between three characters and reveals a lot about human vulnerability and resilience
Ivan Callus considers the distinctive poetic voice of Abigail Zammit
Pam Thompson finds something magical and unsettling in Peter Sansom’s shifting, complex poetry.
Merryn Williams admires the seemingly-inexhaustible poetic skill on show in a double collection from Ruth Bidgood
Peter Ulric Kennedy critiques Graham Hardie’s ambitious and eclectic poems
Thomas Ovans recognizes the sweep and complexity of a first novel from Jane Kirwan
David Cooke examines Gill Learner’s new collection and finds a poet with a distinctive voice and many worthwhile things to say.
Graham Hardie admires the poetic agility with which Ruth Valentine explores some dark themes.
A spiritual autobiography by Murray Bodo turns out to be an unexpectedly down-to-earth story
A short collection by Amy Schreibman Walter deals evocatively with women experiencing various kinds of longing: but Emma Lee wonders whether the voice is sometimes too passive
Wendy French recognises the heartfelt experience behind a very personal poetry collection from Avril Chester
By Michael Bartholomew-Biggs • books, poetry reviews, year 2016 • Tags: books, poetry, Wendy French