Caiplie Caves

The Caiplie Caves is an ambitious collection of poetry by Karen Solie, exploring the nature of crisis through the figure of St. Ethernan, a seventh-century Irish missionary to Scotland. The poems address issues of war, misinformation, power, grief, confusion, and faith under extreme duress, offering insights into distinguishing self-delusion from belief, belief from knowledge, and finding courage to move forward. The collection is praised for its lyric subtlety, argumentative strength, and ability to extract great wisdom from the ordinary.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2019
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

The Caiplie Caves, a remarkable and ambitious collection from an essential poet, showcases Karen Solie's exceptional talent. With her sharp wit and keen observation, Solie delves into the depths of human experience, offering a profound and timely exploration of crisis. At the center of this literary masterpiece is St. Ethernan, a seventh-century Irish missionary who sought refuge in the caves of the Fife coast, grappling with a crucial decision that would shape his life.

In her intricate and captivating narrative, Solie weaves together Ethernan's story with poems that capture the essence of the caves' geographical location and delve into the recurring violences of history and myth. Through her exquisite lyricism and unwavering argumentation, Solie challenges the boundaries between self-delusion and belief, belief and knowledge. She explores the complexities of our responses to crisis, urging us to find the courage to move forward in the face of adversity.

The Caiplie Caves is a testament to Solie's remarkable poetic prowess. Her words resonate with wisdom, offering profound insights into the human condition. With her exceptional ability to extract great wisdom from the ordinary, Solie has established herself as one of the most important poets working today. This collection is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the power of poetry to illuminate the complexities of life and inspire us to confront our challenges head-on.

In conclusion, The Caiplie Caves is a remarkable achievement that showcases Karen Solie's poetic brilliance. Through her insightful narrative and powerful poetry, Solie invites us to explore the depths of human experience and find the courage to navigate the complexities of life. This collection is a testament to her talent and will leave a lasting impact on readers for years to come.

Weight: 224g
Dimension: 153 x 196 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529005325