Conversation

Stephanie Norgate's poetry explores relationships between nature and the city, the past and present, and character and writer, celebrating friendship, closeness, and the longing to bridge gaps and find cures. Her first collection, Hidden River (2008), was shortlisted for the Forward Prize for Best First Collection and the Jerwood Aldeburgh First Collection Prize, and her third collection, The Conversation, was praised for its lyricism and feeling for place.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 64 pages
Publication date: 16 September 2021
Publisher: Bloodaxe Books Ltd

Stephanie Norgate delves into the intricate connections between nature, the city, the past, and the present, as well as the interplay between character and writer, in her captivating collection titled "The Conversation." Through a fusion of speech and storytelling, these visually captivating, sensuous, and imaginative poems celebrate the essence of friendship, unwavering even in the face of grief, the solace found in moments of isolation and lockdown, and the yearning to bridge gaps and seek cures. Miracles, disguised as the ordinary, can be discovered in a child's sleep, a lit-up house, or even in the rustling of leaves. Textiles become vessels of remembrance, transforming landscapes into emotional tapestries. In this contemporary rendition of Daedalus, the poet embarks on a unique perspective, viewing his life from the vantage point of a hang-glider. Scraps of handwriting, café conversations, exploding cars, earthquakes, the naming of fields, or even a line of walkers ignite profound dialogues about place, time, and the delicate paradoxes of mortality.

Stephanie Norgate's poetic journey commenced with her debut collection, "Hidden River," which garnered critical acclaim and was shortlisted for both the Forward Prize for Best First Collection and the Jerwood Aldeburgh First Collection Prize. Her subsequent collection, "The Blue Den," further solidified her reputation as a talented poet. "The Conversation," her third collection, showcases her continued exploration of the human experience and the intricate relationships between various aspects of life.

Norgate's poetry has been praised for its profound lyricism, evoking a deep emotional resonance in her readers. Her work is characterized by its energy, generosity, and a profound sense of place. She possesses a remarkable ability to capture the roots of things, as well as the essence of being, in her lyrical language. Norgate's poetry is also noted for its searching nature, memorable imagery, and the disconcerting moments that challenge the reader's perception of reality. She has a keen ear for the music of a line, as well as the strength and shape of an image, which adds depth and richness to her poetry.

In conclusion, Stephanie Norgate's "The Conversation" is a testament to her talent as a poet. Through her captivating words and storytelling, she explores the complexities of human relationships, the beauty of nature, and the profound mysteries of life. Her poetry is a testament to the power of language to convey emotions, evoke imagery, and ignite meaningful conversations. Norgate's work continues to resonate with readers, leaving a lasting impact on the literary landscape.

Weight: 170g
Dimension: 157 x 233 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781780375748