oh this is a Good One, Rebecca!
acute and well drawn, take care, anny
<[log in to unmask]>
Well, Dave,
having gone to this link, I have to say I wonder how this is a review? it
seems more like a general assessment of the author's social significance
(that issue of class) and sexual pizzazz. What happened to a careful
consideration of the work itself?
The first paragraph is, as you note, "a summary" of the state of literature
in England, and the second paragraph is about the "sexiness" of the author,
("and she was certainly sexy, in a mild sort of way") and then preoccupied
with the impression created in the author's workshop (at least initially
since it then turns entirely to a discussion of the publishable poem, the
canon of workshops, Forbes and Wilkinson's workshops, etc.etc.) Only at the
end is Padel's work discussed and then summarily.
As Steve Spence wrote at the beginning: "I'm writing this review, trying to
give the work a 'fair hearing'" I don't think he did!. I should say,
perhaps, that I'm not a fan of Padel's work, but I don't really see how
poetry or any poet writing benefits from this sort of literary chat, social
opinion, and oggling at the poetry reading disguised as 'reviewing.' The
point-of-view which 'reviews' the work by commenting upon the author's
'sexiness', whether pro or con, seems to undercut the very premise by which
poetry can be taken seriously. What's next? pinup calendars for poets?
Well, seriously, there's an element of misogynism and resentiment driving
this review " As long as it seems that there is 'racial inclusion' and more
women than ever before are being published (never mind the quality, feel the
width!)" I wonder why I am being invited to "feel" anybody up at all? and
when's the last time we talked about the 'sexiness' of a male poet reading
or in workshop (for all you ornery types out there, this is _not_ a
request!)
Best,
Rebecca
Rebecca Seiferle
www.thedrunkenboat.com
|