Review by Choice Review
This examination of Carson's poetry is long overdue. Although one finds multiple journal articles on Carson (b. 1948), this is the first book on him, which is surprising, given his long, fruitful career as a poet from Northern Ireland. Comprising 13 essays by Carson scholars, the book examines the poetry from a variety of stances, from structural analyses to thematic and biographical approaches. Kennedy-Andrews (Univ. of Ulster) also includes an interview with Carson, which may be of particular value to students examining Carson's poetry, identity, writing, or Northern Ireland. The essays are accessible and engaging. For example, David Wheatley's "'Pushed Next to Nothing': Ciaran Carson's Breaking News" approaches the complexity of Carson's poetry by examining his use of punctuation. Wheatley provides experts in the field with cogent analysis while also incorporating sufficient context and definition to make the essay beneficial to less experienced readers. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty. C. S. Kalish University of Wisconsin--Marshfield/Wood County
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
