My most personal book was also my best received. It got a 2015 ‘Poetry Book Society Recommended Reading’.
The PBS said:
‘Paul Sutton's poems narrate a journey through the modern world, always questioning and never shying away from laying bare the harsh realities of 21st-century life. Whether examining public or private concerns, the modern state of poetry or the state of the education system, Sutton refuses to compromise or tone his poetry down, giving the reader a refreshing and healthy dose of reality.’
Actually, it’s very much based around dreams and visions following my father’s death, bizarre ones where me and him would go on unknown journeys then get swept away, in places like Slough or the Tottenham Court Road.
He died of Parkinson’s. I was very proud of the William Blake cover, almost showing how his paralysis then ‘Lewy body dementia’ affected him (and me), but also linking with the Hamlet quote for the father/son theme.
Here’s a link to the publisher’s website, if anyone’s interested:
And this is a weird but intriguing review of the book:
Great reviews - now am keen to read 'FALLING OFF' - when a chance arises.
Off to Todmorden for a couple of days. Have been recommended to see "The Great Wall of Tod". See: http://www.colingreenphotography.co.uk/2020/09/the-great-wall-of-todmorden.html