On18 Nov 2000 - 00:33 GMT
[log in to unmask] (Alison)
wrote:-
'I also meekly point out that the par you quote only refers to one of the
books. I might as well quote the whole paragraph, to show more clearly
what I meant by "failure" (if anyone's interested in arguing with the
whole review, it's easily available).'
Dear Alison
Well, I read 'these poems' as referring to both poets
and your review of Lauren Williams was just as negative
in tenor ('lesser Jo Shapcott' etc), thus giving rise to the
reasonable impression her work was also just as damned
as Walker's in your peroration.
I've enjoyed her live readings from that book slightly more
than the poems on the page, but I find her work often funny
and insightful, and far from unskilled.
Lauren Williams is one of the more established Five Islands Press
authors I prefer. No offence but I think you've written fairer reviews.
Her "Flirting" which I also have as a CD track is vivid
enough. I enjoyed "Seeing Elle McPherson" and various
other poems. Often I feel the poems are more pieces for
performance, than exclusively to be read off the page.
Honestly, I thought you mauled her book. The poor author
was probably mortified.
best
Hugh
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