Fast Talker

by David Eggleton

This dynamic poetry collection combines punchy political and social awareness with tender observations of everyday life. Embracing a wide variety of subjects, these poems constantly shift in tone and rhythm, ranging from hard-hitting "rants" on the South Pacific, the media, big business, war, and capitalism to gentle lyricisms on love, travel, and the landscapes that the author calls home. Part showman patter, part incantation, part prophetic diatribe, these writings display an energetic and witty style that masterfully merges forceful images with inventive language.

Genres: Poetry

96 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 2006

About the author

Born in Auckland in 1952 and of mixed European, Tongan, and Rotuman descent, Eggleton spent part his formative years in both Fiji and Auckland, dropping out of school to take up performance music and poetry. Eggleton later moved to Dunedin, where he has been based since the 1980s.

He has been the editor of New Zealand literary magazine Landfall since 2010.

In 2016, Eggleton was the recipient of the Prime Minister’s Award for Literary Achievement in poetry.

Reviews

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some knowledge of the South Pacific is necessary to reading this book of poetry, as the culture and terrain are Eggleton's focus. Witty and poignant, the poems are well-constructed and enjoyable.