Tentacles

by Karen Little

An anthology of poems and illustrations by widely published author, Karen Little. For the first time this collection brings together a selection of her poetry and distinctive monochrome illustrations. “Ten poems - ten illustrations - twenty precious jewels, flashing with danger and colour. The poems alone would be worth the price, as would the wild monochrome illustrations. Karen Little is the most exciting voice of this generation, and this collection is (or ought to be!) unmissable. Is Hairless Me Breathless the best poem published this year? Buy this volume, and then when her books are classics and are being studied at universities, you'll be able to show off your first edition, and your impeccable taste. I feel genuinely lucky to be among those 'in the know' about Karen's work now.” - Cathy Bryant is Editor of Best of Manchester Poets and winner of 22 writing awards.

34 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2016

About the author

I trained as a dancer at London Contemporary Dance School, and as a Fine Artist at Camberwell School of Art, London, performing and exhibiting internationally.
My poetry has been widely published in magazines and anthologies, and Tentacles contains ten of my illustrated poems. My first novella Filled with Ghosts was published in December 2015 and shortlisted for the novella Saboteur Award in 2016.
'Karen Little writes characters with a surface oddness. Whether they are floridly psychotic or merely displaying a level of everyday delusions and compulsions of creativity; they are all unusual and unique. As the book goes on it becomes easier to absorb the deeper psychological movements that the characters have as well as these qualities. However, the opening of the book is quite impenetrable. We hear from Diana, who, in her own words, builds ‘sentences from [her] own spit’. Yet, as when reading someone like Elizabeth Smart, battling through this series of barely linked, intense images is worth it. Once the rhythm that runs through the piece is detected, it becomes easier to grasp what previously appeared to be chaos. The rewards are images such as this one: ‘I catch rainwater in a pan, pour it into my fish tank, filling it with freedom and light’. (extract from Sabotage Review, Sarah Gonnet)
The sequel Ghost Train Leaving was released in June 2017, and the final book in the trilogy (the Spanish Spectres series) Ghosts Treading Water in October 2017.

Reviews

[Cathy Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's just occurred to me that the illustrations, in frames, would make cracking art to furnish a monochrome room. This is a canny buy for decorators! That's very much an afterthought, though, as the poems and illustrations make sublime reading. Little is one of very few poets who combine lyricism with edge and grit. Here's a taste of 'All Over Jack': '...you ask how long before the police recognise my glossy robes,/pelt of rat. I feel as split open as a pomegranate, red orbs,/waiting to be pricked, my juice spilled extravagantly.' Glorious.
Ten poems, ten illustrations. The latter have intense charm as well as Little's staggering technical ability. As with her prose, she seems able to let the wildness out while using adult brilliance and technique to do so.

[barbara liddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A definite must read!

Karen Little is a genius with thought and words ! Her work and words take you deep into her s and your very own heart and soul and reaches into the back of your mind grasping your very essence.
Love this genius work and her books and poems are a must read ! 😍