Manorism

Manorism is a collection of poetry by Yomi Sode that explores the lives of Black British men and boys, examining the differences of impunity afforded to white and Black people and the complexities of belonging and inheritance. The book is praised for its vivid, beautiful, and deeply moving verse, and is shortlisted for the 2022 T. S. Eliot Prize and the 2023 Rathbones Folio Prize.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 02 November 2023
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2022 T. S. ELIOT PRIZE


SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2023 RATHBONES FOLIO PRIZE


A GUARDIAN AND FINANCIAL TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR


A wonder of a collection


Caleb Azumah Nelson's debut collection, Manorism, has been shortlisted for numerous prestigious literary awards, including the 2022 T. S. Eliot Prize and the 2023 Rathbones Folio Prize. The book has received widespread critical acclaim, with reviewers praising its thrilling and once-in-a-generation storytelling. Jackie Kay, in her review for the Guardian, describes Manorism as "genius," noting that it tells a thousand stories in stunningly crafted verse. Nikita Gill, for the Financial Times, calls the collection "remarkable," praising its textured and vivid storytelling. Candice Carty-Williams, in her review for the Times Literary Supplement, describes Manorism as "heartbreaking," noting that it is the living heart and soul of contemporary poetry. Rt Hon Diane Abbott MP, in her review for the New Statesman, praises Yomi Sode's writing for its clarity, anger, and love. Andrew Graham-Dixon, for the Daily Telegraph, calls the collection "searing, shimmering, brilliant." Yrsa Daley-Ward, for the Guardian, describes Manorism as a "must for all lovers of poetry and its power." Roger Robinson, for the Times, praises Manorism as a "classic."


Caravaggio - originally, unexpectedly - looms large: as a man who moved between spheres of exalted patronage and petty criminality; as a painter who, amid the elegant conventions of late Mannerism, forged his own style of visceral dark and light; and as an individual whose recognized genius was allowed to legitimate and excuse his violence.


In this profound and moving debut, Yomi Sode asks: what does it mean to find oneself between worlds - to code-switch, adapting one's speech and manners to widely differing cultural contexts? Who is, and who isn't, allowed to be?


Manorism is a poetic examination of the lives of Black British men and boys, propped up and hemmed in by contemporary masculinity, deepened by family, misrepresented in the media, and complicated by the riches and the costs of belonging and inheritance. It is also an exploration of the differences of impunity afforded to white and Black people and to white and Black artists.


Through a series of interconnected poems, Manorism explores the complexities of identity, culture, and belonging. Sode's writing is characterized by its clarity, anger, and love, as well as its ability to convey the raw emotion and power of the human experience. The collection is filled with vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and sharp insights, making it a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary poetry and its ability to address important social and political issues.


In conclusion, Manorism is a stunning debut collection that showcases Caleb Azumah Nelson's talent as a poet and storyteller. With its powerful and nuanced exploration of the lives of Black British men and boys, the collection has already made a significant impact on the literary world. We can expect to see more of Sode's work in the years to come, and we eagerly anticipate what he will bring to the table next.

Weight: 118g
Dimension: 199 x 130 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781802061932