Pamela Johnson’s latest novel describes the intriguing interplay between three characters and reveals a lot about human vulnerability and resilience
books
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
Richard Caldwell enthuses, to varying degrees, about the four American poets on show in a new anthology edited by Anthony Costello
Ryan’s Return: Brian Docherty takes a thoughtful and observant stroll through Sean O’Brien’s sombre version of West London
By Michael Bartholomew-Biggs • books, photography, poetry reviews, year 2016 • Tags: books, Brian Docherty, photography, poetry