Manylion a Disgrifiad y Llyfr | Book Details & Description
- ISBN: 9780863817151
- Author: Paul Henry
- Publication May 2004
- Edited by Meic Stephens
- Format: Paperback, 148x103 mm, 84 pages
A diverse collection of 53 lyrical poems about people and places who hold a significant place in the heart of the poet together with poems reflecting on the passage of time, including short biographical notes.
Gwales Review
Drifting through humour, dark moments and insightful views on everyday life, this enticing and very affordable collection of poetry is a must for anyone seeking an alternative view into the human condition. Hailing from Aberystwyth and claiming to be intent on illuminating the ‘bits of broken glass and fragments of the marvellous’, it is certainly true that Henry focuses on even the most banal moments to find inspiration for his often heart-warming verse. 'Winnie’s', a whimsical yet intensively positive ditty on ‘finding somebody’s glasses down the back of the sofa’, is one clear-cut example, and 'Twelve', a slightly macabre take on the faltering innocence of youth set up within a tragic incident, is a particular favourite of mine, mixing death with a certain dry humour.
As a whole, and taken in its own context of private, lifestyle setting, this book is undeniably worth buying and gives an almost privileged viewpoint into the deeply personal thoughts of the author. Bearing his soul to anyone who may want to peruse his work, above all, a feeling of generous honesty perpetuates this work and offers a window into a recognisable world and alternative viewpoint on a hatful of incidents and experiences thrown up by an unpredictable world. Buy this and wallow in a pocket-size volume of refreshing verse, a genuine pleasure to read.
Jack Clothier