This Thing of Blood & Love

The Thing of Blood & Love by Lesley Saunders is a collection of poems that explore human culpability, the secrets we keep from ourselves, the contradictory selves we inhabit, the histories that live on unreconciled in us, and the unfathomable mystery of being (in) a body. The poems celebrate language while also acknowledging mortality, the ultimate vulnerability from which we derive our deepest sense of self.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 84 pages
Publication date: 21 February 2022
Publisher: Two Rivers Press

Lesley Saunders' fifth collection with Two Rivers Press, titled "This Thing of Blood & Love," delves into a profound exploration of human culpability, the hidden depths of our selves, the conflicting identities we embody, the unresolved histories that reside within us, the fragile planet we inhabit as its imperfect stewards, and, above all, the enigmatic mystery of being—an embodied, fleshly existence that exposes us to its shocking vulnerabilities.

Within these poetic pages, Saunders showcases a celebratory delight in language that has consistently captivated readers and critics alike. However, in this collection, that joy is infused with a disquieting and unsettling awareness of mortality—the ultimate vulnerability from which we derive our deepest sense of self.

The poems in "This Thing of Blood & Love" dance between celebration and introspection, capturing the intricate tapestry of human experience. They explore the complexities of relationships, the struggles against societal expectations, and the search for meaning in a world that often feels overwhelming. Saunders' words are vivid and evocative, painting vivid images that linger in the reader's mind long after the last page is turned.

Through her poetry, Saunders invites us to confront our own vulnerabilities and the complexities of the human condition. She challenges us to embrace our contradictions, to reconcile our pasts, and to strive for a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. "This Thing of Blood & Love" is a testament to the power of language to illuminate the human experience and to inspire us to confront the mysteries of existence.

Weight: 112g
Dimension: 135 x 210 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781909747968