a

by Sophie Robinson, illustrated (Illustrator)

How do you trace death? What do you make of the useless objects left behind? Conjuring Cage, Stein, and Francesca Woodman, British poet Sophie Robinson documents the detritus of sudden loss. Layering word and image, object and subject, the said with the unsayable, a is as Caroline Bergvall writes, "[A] work of mourning. Angry, torn, hardly daring to remember" — a textual performance of "love that dares to speak as queer.



PRAISE FOR a

“In image and in language, a contemplates the ghostly interstices that persist when objects lose their handler. […] The goal is not to stave off death but to trace its spreading.” — Diane Ward

Genres: Poetry

Paperback

First published August 1, 2009

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully designed to maximize the impact of the contents, though I believe that some of the visual material was added by Les Figues and is not the author's work. This is somewhat confusing. Robinson's text (we are not related, by the way) is a study in the irresolutions of grief. She wrestles with the death of her lover Aerin with considerable formal ingenuity and takes real emotional risks. I recommend this book.

[Fee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The most delicate, fragile poetry collection I've ever read, so much so that I found myself being careful to use only the lightest touch to turn the pages. Sophie's voice is like a whisper in a silent room, though not without weight; this is assured writing, brimming with love and its associated loss.

[Dusie Press · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is an incredible book. the kind of book that moves one to write. very interesting as well in the way in which it is presented among a palette of poets and artists, the concept of les figues press is quite powerful, called the tracer series wherein the work is situated within a larger context as well as aesthetics, which also incorporates visual art. I am really pleased with this press, this series, but most especially, a, which I still have a few more pages to read but want to draw them out a bit.