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A Wide River Divides Us
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December 2, 2025
I must admit to some bias here as Gill's late brother, Trevor, was a good friend.
This is her first published anthology and is divided into 2 parts. The first dealing with her early years growing up as a protestant in Derry/Londonderry, and the second, reflections on her time living and working in "mainland" UK, particularly in Dorset.
Gill has clearly found her "voice" in this collection, which ranges from traumatic events, through carefree days in Dorset and including what I would take to be love or affectionate writing to an individual or individuals. One particular poignant example is one clearly to her late mother (who died suddenly and unexpectedly)
There seems to be an element of catharsis in many of the pieces which deal with personal trauma
related to the troubles "An Isolated Shooting Incident" is one such piece where the 9 year old Gill was passing some patrolling soldiers when they were shot at. There is also "Cul-de-Sac" dealing with the hijacking of the family car. Her family were eventually rehoused, being protestants in a predominately Catholic area.
Having said that there is no hint of recrimination in the poetry, it is written in a matter of fact manner as a personal narrative. Exemplified in the piece which gives the book its title "A Wide River Divides Us".
There are some lighter moments, "Seaside, Seesaws and Other Oscillations" particularly struck me being set in Weymouth, a sea front I know well, and left me with the comical picture of Gill walking backwards.
Whilst not every piece "hit the mark" I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone interested in a personal view of the "Troubles" or just wants to immerse themselves in some poignant poetry.
This is her first published anthology and is divided into 2 parts. The first dealing with her early years growing up as a protestant in Derry/Londonderry, and the second, reflections on her time living and working in "mainland" UK, particularly in Dorset.
Gill has clearly found her "voice" in this collection, which ranges from traumatic events, through carefree days in Dorset and including what I would take to be love or affectionate writing to an individual or individuals. One particular poignant example is one clearly to her late mother (who died suddenly and unexpectedly)
There seems to be an element of catharsis in many of the pieces which deal with personal trauma
related to the troubles "An Isolated Shooting Incident" is one such piece where the 9 year old Gill was passing some patrolling soldiers when they were shot at. There is also "Cul-de-Sac" dealing with the hijacking of the family car. Her family were eventually rehoused, being protestants in a predominately Catholic area.
Having said that there is no hint of recrimination in the poetry, it is written in a matter of fact manner as a personal narrative. Exemplified in the piece which gives the book its title "A Wide River Divides Us".
There are some lighter moments, "Seaside, Seesaws and Other Oscillations" particularly struck me being set in Weymouth, a sea front I know well, and left me with the comical picture of Gill walking backwards.
Whilst not every piece "hit the mark" I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone interested in a personal view of the "Troubles" or just wants to immerse themselves in some poignant poetry.
Displaying 1 of 1 review