Lady

by Laurie Bolger

Lady, the first full collection of poems by Laurie Bolger, arrives 'all giddy with endorphins' and explores the many roles girls and women are asked to play and the dressing-up outfits they try on for size – whether housewife or hen, sister or mum, landlady, exercise instructor or best friend forever. Bolger's poems turn her bold, funny and wise words on boys, body image and the pressure to make yourself fit into a pigeon-hole, when all you really want to do is soar away on your own wings.

Here, these gritty and effervescent poems look to the things that sustain us when navigating an imperfect world obsessed with perfection. Whether dancing in the kitchen, crying in the bath or eating crisps, these poems are equal parts delicious, joyous, and bittersweet. A celebration of the resilience of working-class women and the solidarity and love found in friendship and family, Bolger's poems dare to dream and be wild – and invite us all to join her.

Genres: Poetry

98 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 10, 2025

Reviews

[jocelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

i looooved these poems !!!

[autumn ☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

a love letter to all the forgotten women who were busy doing the laundry

[Laura McKelvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the best book of poetry I’ve read in some time. I bought it on a whim, knowing nothing about it, because I wanted to support the Poetry Pharmacy in York. I am so grateful someone there had it on display. I feel very lucky.

[Kristiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the best depiction of girlhood and womanhood I've ever read ❤️

[Ruby Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

faves include:
• endurance
• george
• fried eggs
• period
• call me lady

:)

[soph · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed these poems. Like a lot. 4.5 stars if I could 🌟🌟🌟🌟 my favourite was Her Indoors - this is probably because I yearn for that sort of settled happy calm stable relationship. Yes I will ask what you want in your sandwich (even though I probably know your answer) and always get us a lottery ticket when I go to get the milk. And I do love you to your bones and I do move the silver ring from one finger to the next to see what it would look like. I completely get this poem ..! I love to be in love !! <3

Other faves in the order they appear :))

- Washing
- Endurance
- Stars
- Nightdrive
- Roots
- Pigeon
- Call me lady

[Shane · Rating 2 out of 5]

I rarely read poetry books, I usually listen to audiobooks, and I think I did it wrong.

Given I’ve seen her perform her poetry live and certainly enjoyed it, I can only surmise that either the context provided by her comedic introductions to each poem, or else her knowing how its intended delivery, added significantly to my understanding and appreciation.

I’ll see if I can find any recordings of her recitations and give it another read.