The Star in the Branches

The Star in the Branches, James Peakes' second collection, explores memory, loss, love, and family, featuring poems about dementia, erotic love, city loneliness, and the spiritual and tangible.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 72 pages
Publication date: 21 February 2022
Publisher: Two Rivers Press

The second collection of James Peakes, titled "The Star in the Branches," delves into the intricate and profound realm of memory, exploring its multifaceted nature. It evokes a range of emotions, from the poignant pain of loss to the comforting solace it provides. Memory serves as both a mirror and a distorting lens, equal to and yet distinct from the objects and people that inhabit it.

At the book's beginning and end, the theme of disappearance is present, with a parent succumbing to dementia and a school friend lost to voluntary forms of forgetting. In between these moments, Peakes weaves a tapestry of poems that capture the essence of human experiences, including erotic love, urban solitude, and the complexities of family relationships. These poems celebrate the unique in all its forms, from the ancient quarries of Naxos to the electronica of Aphex Twin.

Through his poetic language and vivid imagery, Peakes invites readers to embark on a journey of introspection and reflection. He explores the ways in which memory shapes our identities, influences our relationships, and connects us to the broader world. "The Star in the Branches" is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of human experience and offer solace and understanding in times of loss and uncertainty.

Weight: 102g
Dimension: 135 x 209 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781909747951