Repulsion Thrust

Title: Repulsion Thrust

Author: Magdalena Ball

Publisher: BeWrite Books, UK

Publish date: 2009

ISBN: 978-906609-30-6

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A curious book of poetry, which in the aftertaste reminds me more of John Donne than anything I can put my finger on. Replete with images and analogies from science, it tilts its gaze at the world into an unfamiliar angle, raising brows with facets and reflections unexpectedly apposite. Fragility, love and existence are measured in planetary distances, atoms, chemical reactions, quantum particles and scales of evolution. A metaphysical bent tuned neatly to our age, plucking harp strings with latex gloves.

Well worth the read and slow digestion - and not just because I know the author. Four Moose Hoofs up.  

True Stories

Title: True Stories

Author: Helen Garner

Publisher: Text Publishing

Publish date: 1996

ISBN: 978-1-921351-84-6

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A mixed bag, in quality and relevance. Garner probably knew this when she put it together, as the first story, ‘The Art of the Dumb Question’, draws you into its quiet intrigue in a typically Garnerish manner. The next few stories likewise pack a punch emotionally or by half-shock-tactics, half honesty. Things start dwindling with ‘My Child In The World’ and it’s a varied lot after that.

One wonders, why does the writer end up visiting and inspecting crematoria and morgues? Perhaps there’s a legitimate reporting reason behind it. Interesting as a one-time read that these pieces are, they sit as uncomfortably on the page as the author depicts herself in their physical space. Is their raison d'être similar to ‘Leonard Cohen’s taken a day job they say / For bizarre inspiration and hourly pay’?

Worth the read. Three Moose Hoofs Up.