Later

by Philip Gross

Challenging and tender, these poems are a rite of passage. Philip Gross's much praised previous collection, Deep Field , explored the loosening connections between the self and language in his refugee father's old age. This new book goes further, through the failing of the body, through the mind's weakening hold on the borderline between the present and the traumas of the past. It follows the journey to the end - then beyond, to the tentative byways through which mourning moves. With an instinct for form that both controls and releases depths of feeling, Philip Gross writes poetry that proves it can be trusted with the most raw yet essential things of life.

Genres: Poetry

80 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 2014

Reviews

[Judith Johnson]

I feel that it would be unfair to rate this book. Poetry is so very subjective, and I know that the poet is very well-respected by his peers. In general, I'm aware that I much, much prefer concrete, accessible poems to ones that deal with ideas in a more abstract way, and that use stylised language that elicits the admiration of others who write in a similar vein. I picked up my next poetry book to read, by Billy Collins, which underlined again, for me, my preferences. I guess the fact that Walter de la Mare is one of my favourite poets is another indication! I'm sure that many people would enjoy this collection.