Zebra

by Ian Humphreys

In Zebra, a boy steps tentatively from the shadows onto a strobe-lit dancefloor. Ian Humphrey's much-anticipated debut shimmers with music, wit and humour while exploring mixed identities, otherness, and coming-of-age as a gay man in 1980's Manchester. These acutely-observed, joyful poems pay homage to those who took the first steps - minority writers, LGBT civil rights activists, 1970s queer night-clubbers and the poet's own mixed-race parents.

Genres: Poetry, LGBT

76 pages, Paperback

Published April 11, 2019

Reviews

[M.J. Mallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this collection of poetry.

[Andrew H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zebra is a witty and highly readable first volume from Ian Humphreys. It is a volume that clings to its roots. Ian Humphrey's poetry, for a refreshing change, speaks of the North without apology. What I really enjoyed about this collection of poems is the honesty that shines through; and the balance. Humphreys is gay, but he neither trumpets nor conceals it and makes it an integral part of a personality that emerges in the poems. Humphreys can tell a story, as in "Coalscar Lake", write social commentary, "Bad Fruit", write with humour and irony, "The Cottage" is poignantly funny, compose amusing portraits, "Glamour Puss", and push poetry and life towards the surreal, "The man in the rah-rah skirt." "Two men walking" captures human friendship in simple, natural, emotional images. And that is the strength of Zebra , writing that is carefully thought through, yet without strain.

[Pete Green]

ahhhh beautiful, just beautiful