The Boning Hall: New and Selected Poems

by Mary O'Malley

This is the first collection by Mary O'Malley to be published by Carcanet Press. From the child colonised, to the adult journey, from Ireland to America to Southern Europe, this is a poetic exploration of love and place and the poet's only true home - the language in which he or she writes.

Genres: Poetry

120 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2003

Reviews

[Steven Godin · Rating 4 out of 5]

High among the pink peaks
of the fading city
The vast house of my fears
broods behind high gates —
The house of pity.

When I pass its closed face
I taste ashes. A small boy
Haunts me with silence —
the child of my heart calling
From the house of hidden joy.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love these poems. The author is Irish and the poems are very Irish, very today, very insightful, careful, wise and caring. I love them and I hope she keeps writing. These are terrific.

[Lisa Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

O'Malley may not be as widely known as Eavan Boland, but her voice is quietly powerful and her metaphors fresh and instructive. Her language choices and writing style make this collection accessible to all levels of readers.