I have just finished reading this collection of poetry from one of Scotland's most interesting living poets. Burnside writes nature poetry, but this is not nature as idyllic pastoral, but nature with an edge, full of rotting things, hidden threats and menace. His poetry is beautiful, lyrical and thought provoking. It is also sometimes disturbing, though never as disturbing as his prose work.....
Hi lene, A Normal Skin is the only one of John Burnsdie's poetry collections that I've read. I'd definitely recommend it. Many of the poems are a little disturbing but he writes beautifully. I also have but haven't yet read a copy of his collection The Good Neighbour, which has had very good reviews. I've heard him read at a couple of events and all his poems I've heard have been very lyrical and thoughtful. His novels are too disturbing for my tastes though.
Thanks for the link and resource. I'm always excited to find new poets writing about nature. Do you have a particular book of his you would recommend?
ReplyDeleteHi lene, A Normal Skin is the only one of John Burnsdie's poetry collections that I've read. I'd definitely recommend it. Many of the poems are a little disturbing but he writes beautifully. I also have but haven't yet read a copy of his collection The Good Neighbour, which has had very good reviews. I've heard him read at a couple of events and all his poems I've heard have been very lyrical and thoughtful. His novels are too disturbing for my tastes though.
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