Hurricane Watch: New and Collected Poems

Hurricane Watch: New and Collected Poems is a collection of Jamaican Poet Laureate Olive Senior's first four books of poetry, showcasing her consistency and range as a skilful and evocative storyteller. Her poems are delicate, formally playful, and finely observed, often leading to ecological reflections, politics, and culture in original and sensuous ways.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 456 pages
Publication date: 27 January 2022
Publisher: Carcanet Press Ltd

Longlisted for the Raymond Souster Award 2023 by the League of Canadian Poets, Hurricane Watch: New and Collected Poems is a remarkable compilation that showcases the poetic prowess of Jamaican Poet Laureate Olive Senior. This collection brings together Senior's first four books of poetry, along with a fresh and vibrant new collection, showcasing her exceptional talent and unwavering dedication to the craft.

Senior's poetry is a testament to her remarkable skill as a storyteller, as she effortlessly weaves delicate, formally playful, and always finely observed narratives. Whether she delves into the intricate world of Jamaican birdlife, explores the vastness of the natural world, or uncovers the traces of a complex historical inheritance, Senior's poems are a testament to her ability to capture the essence of her subjects with remarkable clarity and depth.

What sets Hurricane Watch apart is the consistency and range of Senior's achievement. Her poems are a tapestry of vivid descriptions, gripping narratives, and thought-provoking ecological reflections, politics, and culture. With her unique perspective and poetic voice, Senior seamlessly weaves these themes into her work, creating a rich and multi-dimensional tapestry that engages the reader on a profound level.

One of the most striking features of Senior's poetry is her brilliant descriptions. She has a remarkable ability to bring her subjects to life, painting vivid images that linger in the reader's mind long after the last line has been read. From the vibrant colors of a Jamaican sunset to the delicate petals of a flower, Senior's descriptions are a feast for the senses and transport the reader to a world of sensory delight.

In addition to her descriptive prowess, Senior's poems are also characterized by their vivid, gripping narratives. She has a talent for creating stories that are both intimate and expansive, drawing the reader into the heart of her characters and their experiences. Whether she is recounting a childhood memory or exploring the complexities of human relationships, Senior's narratives are rich in emotion and leave a lasting impact on the reader.

What is particularly remarkable about Hurricane Watch is the way in which Senior's poems seamlessly transition from vivid descriptions and gripping narratives to ecological reflections, politics, and culture. Her work is a testament to her ability to see the interconnectedness of all things and to explore the complex relationships between humans and the natural world. Through her poetry, Senior encourages us to reflect on our place in the world and to consider the impact of our actions on the environment and society.

In conclusion, Hurricane Watch: New and Collected Poems is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the power of poetry to capture the essence of life, explore the complexities of the human experience, and inspire thought. Olive Senior's exceptional talent and dedication to the craft are on full display in this collection, and her poetry will continue to resonate with readers for years to come.

Longlisted for the Raymond Souster Award 2023 by the League of Canadian Poets, Hurricane Watch: New and Collected Poems is a remarkable compilation that showcases the poetic prowess of Jamaican Poet Laureate Olive Senior. This collection brings together Senior's first four books of poetry, along with a fresh and vibrant new collection, showcasing her exceptional talent and unwavering dedication to the craft.

Weight: 548g
Dimension: 135 x 215 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800172166