Overlap

Overlap is a collection of poetry by Valerie Bences that explores the lives of her grandmothers, Winifred and Harriet, and her own experiences as a grandmother in different times.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 32 pages
Publication date: 27 January 2022
Publisher: The Emma Press

Valerie Bences' latest poetry pamphlet, titled "Overlap," is a captivating exploration of the ordinary and a profound meditation on grandmothers. Part memoir, part family history, this collection of vivid vignettes from the poet's childhood, courtship, motherhood, and grandmotherhood spans the 20th and 21st centuries. At the center of this book are Bences' grandmothers, Winifred and Harriet, whose hardy and steadfast lives serve as a profound inspiration to the poet as she also embarks on the journey of grandmotherhood in vastly different times.

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Bences finds herself stranded from her family, unable to physically connect with them. In this challenging period, she harnesses her creativity and conjures up the spirits of her grandmothers, embarking on a journey of remembrance and reflection. Through her vivid prose, she walks in their footsteps, experiencing the world through their eyes and, at times, feeling herself merge with their essence.

"Overlap" is a testament to the enduring power of family bonds and the profound impact of grandmothers on their loved ones. Bences' heartfelt portrayal of her grandmothers and her own journey of becoming a grandmother offers a glimpse into the complexities of life, love, and loss. This poetry pamphlet is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the beauty of the ordinary and the profound wisdom found in the lives of grandmothers.

Weight: 68g
Dimension: 130 x 196 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781912915941