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Coda
Experimental lyric and narrative poetry that brings together philosophy, theology, and humor.
The nameless narrator of Coda attempts to trace the origins of linguistic and perceptual differentiation by experimenting with contemporary lyric and narrative forms. Moving between extravagant prosody and obsessive disquisition, Seidenberg’s poetry works to reconfigure conceptual imperatives found throughout philosophy and theology. With a focus on the structure of memory and the decadence of the body, Seidenberg describes the epistemological regress of desire, intention, knowledge, and discernment.
Seidenberg brings together the language and concerns of figures including Spinoza, Kant, Hegel, and Wittgenstein, alongside elements of raucous humor drawn from the tradition of Rabelais, Beckett, Lispector, and Sterne.
The nameless narrator of Coda attempts to trace the origins of linguistic and perceptual differentiation by experimenting with contemporary lyric and narrative forms. Moving between extravagant prosody and obsessive disquisition, Seidenberg’s poetry works to reconfigure conceptual imperatives found throughout philosophy and theology. With a focus on the structure of memory and the decadence of the body, Seidenberg describes the epistemological regress of desire, intention, knowledge, and discernment.
Seidenberg brings together the language and concerns of figures including Spinoza, Kant, Hegel, and Wittgenstein, alongside elements of raucous humor drawn from the tradition of Rabelais, Beckett, Lispector, and Sterne.
122 pages, Paperback
Published November 3, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 6, 2025
This read was completely different from what I usually read, writing style and language included, but that I enjoyed and that I’d definitely need to revisit.
This is a very cerebral book, at times stream-of-consciousness, at times poem and at others pure storytelling. It is a deep exploration of human traits such as perception and desire, but for me is essentially trying to understand our place in the cosmos, by investigating how we interact within it.
There are a lot of philosophical references (and I definitely didn’t get many), such as to Aristotle, to Kant, but also mentions to the likes of Blake.
I found some of the passages really relatable, at times making me go inward and analyse my stance, others making me smile and others just making me stare at the page trying to digest the thought.
Whilst I don’t think this is an easy read, I feel it is rather enjoyable, aided by the musical cadence it is written in.
If you feel the need for some introspection and some philosophical ruminations, then this author and Coda are a great choice.
Thanks to the author and Literally PR for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
This is a very cerebral book, at times stream-of-consciousness, at times poem and at others pure storytelling. It is a deep exploration of human traits such as perception and desire, but for me is essentially trying to understand our place in the cosmos, by investigating how we interact within it.
There are a lot of philosophical references (and I definitely didn’t get many), such as to Aristotle, to Kant, but also mentions to the likes of Blake.
I found some of the passages really relatable, at times making me go inward and analyse my stance, others making me smile and others just making me stare at the page trying to digest the thought.
Whilst I don’t think this is an easy read, I feel it is rather enjoyable, aided by the musical cadence it is written in.
If you feel the need for some introspection and some philosophical ruminations, then this author and Coda are a great choice.
Thanks to the author and Literally PR for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
November 7, 2025
I picked up Coda on a whim because my best friend’s name is Koda, and it made me smile. I didn’t really know what to expect, but it ended up surprising me. It’s a weird, tricky little book in the best way, not easy to follow all the time, but beautiful once you settle into it. It’s one of those reads that sticks with you and makes you think long after you’re done.
The writing feels part-poem, part-thought spiral. The narrator spends most of the book trying to make sense of who they are and how language shapes that. It isn’t something you can rush; the words twist and come back to themselves, but there’s something honest in that messiness. It feels like watching someone think out loud.
I did get lost here and there, but that felt okay. The flow of the writing always pulled me back in. A few lines really resonated with me, especially the parts about loneliness and the desire to feel connected. There’s a quiet sadness under it all, but also these small, funny moments that stop it from getting too heavy.
It’s not the kind of book you pick up for a quick read, but if you take your time with it, it’s rewarding. I didn’t understand everything, but that’s part of its charm — it’s one I’ll come back to and find new things in each time.
I’m glad I gave it a go. Coda took me out of my usual reading comfort zone, and I’m better for it. The language is lovely, the ideas run deep, and it left me thinking about it long after I’d finished.
Thank you to NetGalley and Omnidawn for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
The writing feels part-poem, part-thought spiral. The narrator spends most of the book trying to make sense of who they are and how language shapes that. It isn’t something you can rush; the words twist and come back to themselves, but there’s something honest in that messiness. It feels like watching someone think out loud.
I did get lost here and there, but that felt okay. The flow of the writing always pulled me back in. A few lines really resonated with me, especially the parts about loneliness and the desire to feel connected. There’s a quiet sadness under it all, but also these small, funny moments that stop it from getting too heavy.
It’s not the kind of book you pick up for a quick read, but if you take your time with it, it’s rewarding. I didn’t understand everything, but that’s part of its charm — it’s one I’ll come back to and find new things in each time.
I’m glad I gave it a go. Coda took me out of my usual reading comfort zone, and I’m better for it. The language is lovely, the ideas run deep, and it left me thinking about it long after I’d finished.
Thank you to NetGalley and Omnidawn for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
November 3, 2025
This was such a strange and fascinating read — I’ve honestly never read anything like it. Coda bends language in ways that feel both disorienting and brilliant. It’s philosophical, poetic, and often completely absurd, but somehow it all works. Seidenberg plays with ideas of memory, desire, and meaning like a mad scientist of words.
Definitely not an easy read, but if you like experimental poetry that challenges you (and makes you laugh in unexpected places), it’s worth diving into.
Definitely not an easy read, but if you like experimental poetry that challenges you (and makes you laugh in unexpected places), it’s worth diving into.
November 7, 2025
Well, what a weird and wonderful book. The cover gives nothing away, I like that.
Each page has me thinking, either what is this; ah ha, or haha. Honestly a really interesting little book. I recommend reading just so you can experience it. My brain flitted around, the book almost seems cleverly messy or maybe organised chaos is a better way to describe. Try it you’ll be surprised. Enjoy.
Many thanks to team @literallyPR for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Each page has me thinking, either what is this; ah ha, or haha. Honestly a really interesting little book. I recommend reading just so you can experience it. My brain flitted around, the book almost seems cleverly messy or maybe organised chaos is a better way to describe. Try it you’ll be surprised. Enjoy.
Many thanks to team @literallyPR for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews