A Marginal Sea

A Marginal Sea is a collection of poems by Skoulding that explores the island of Ynys Mon/Anglesey as a site of archipelagic connection, interweaving dream and digital technology with the everyday. The poems take readers into new worlds, exploring themes of belonging, cross-cultural coordinates, and memory. The collection is inventive, exhilarating, and brilliantly aware of otherness in language, the animal and natural world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 84 pages
Publication date: 27 October 2022
Publisher: Carcanet Press Ltd

A Marginal Sea, a captivating collection of poetry, takes readers on a journey from the picturesque shores of Ynys Mon/Anglesey, situated on the edge of Wales and in the marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean. Through the lens of this island, the author imagines it as a vibrant site of archipelagic connection, where the spaces of dream and digital technology intertwine with the everyday. Skoulding's poetic prowess leads her readers into extraordinary realms, where they explore the depths of belonging, navigate cross-cultural coordinates, and ponder the complexities of memory and misremembering. In her poignant and introspective poems, she delves into the essence of human experience, weaving together elegy and song in a way that evokes a profound sense of connection and shared humanity.

One of the standout features of A Marginal Sea is its inventive and exhilarating use of language. Skoulding skillfully weaves together a tapestry of words that evoke vivid imagery and transport the reader to new worlds. From the muscularity of the oystercatcher to the vibrant streets of Map of Havana, her poetic descriptions are rich in detail and evoke a sense of place and culture. The interplay between elegy and song in her poems adds depth and emotional resonance, as she explores the ways in which we remember and misremember the people and places that have shaped us.

In addition to its linguistic artistry, A Marginal Sea is brilliantly aware of otherness, both in language and in the animal and natural world. Skoulding's poems are filled with references to diverse cultures, histories, and landscapes, creating a tapestry of interconnectedness and understanding. She skillfully weaves together the voices of different cultures, allowing them to speak and resonate together in a way that fosters empathy and appreciation for the richness of human experience.

Furthermore, A Marginal Sea is a testament to the author's deep connection with the animal and natural world. Her poems are filled with vivid descriptions of the natural world, from the crashing waves of the ocean to the delicate petals of a flower. Through her poetic lens, the author reveals the beauty and complexity of the natural world, highlighting its importance in shaping our understanding of the world and our place within it.

In conclusion, A Marginal Sea is a remarkable collection of poetry that offers readers a captivating journey from the margins to the center. Through its inventive language, insightful observations of otherness, and deep connection with the natural world, Skoulding's poetry transports readers to new realms of imagination and emotion. This collection is a testament to the power of poetry to inspire, connect, and transform our understanding of the world. Shortlisted for the Wales Poetry Book of the Year Award 2023, A Marginal Sea is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the art of poetry and the beauty of human experience.

Weight: 118g
Dimension: 135 x 215 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800172517