There is (still) love here

by Dean Atta

There is (still) love here, the compelling new collection of poetry by Dean Atta, is a personal and powerful exploration of relationships, love and loss, encompassing LGBTQ+ and Black history, Greek-Cypriot heritage, pride and identity, dislocation and belonging.

Atta’s tender, precisely-crafted and generous poems seek consolation and affirmation. These are poems as an antidote for challenging times, whether facing prejudice or the challenges of the pandemic, experiencing grief or recovering from heartbreak. Here, we encounter blue feelings and homesickness, things lost in translation and the pressures of the many roles we play in life. We also find the recipes of home, gifts and giving, the togetherness of community and connection to help us to heal. There is still love here - and journeys towards forgiveness, acceptance, queer joy and the power to unapologetically be yourself and fully embrace who you are.

Genres: Poetry, LGBT, Queer

82 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 8, 2022

About the author

Dean was shortlisted for the Polari First Book Prize for his debut poetry collection, I Am Nobody’s Nigger. His poems have been anthologised by Bad Betty Press, Emma Press, Stripes Publishing, Team Angelica and have appeared on BBC One, BBC Radio 4, BBC World Service and Channel 4. Dean was named as one of the most influential LGBT people in the UK by the Independent on Sunday. He regularly performs across the UK and internationally. Dean is a member of Keats House Poets Forum and Malika’s Poetry Kitchen. He has a Philosophy and English BA from the University of Sussex and a Writer/Teacher MA from Goldsmiths, University of London. Dean is a Tutor for Arvon and Poetry School and a Writer in Residence for First Story. His debut novel, The Black Flamingo, will be published in August 2019 by Hodder Children’s Books.

Reviews

[Althea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love!! Dean Atta can do no wrong!!

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I continue to adore every piece by Dean Atta that I consume.

Special shout-out to “On Days When” which makes me want a bouquet of weeds tattooed on my body even though that’s not a line from it, but if you know - you know

[Beth Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

i luv u dean atta

[Strangely Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved some of the poems but not all were for me.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

On Days When
you feel like a wilting garden,
gather yourself, roll up your lawn,
bouquet your flowers, embrace your weeds.

You are a wild thing playing
at being tame.
You are rich with life beneath
the surface.

You don't have to show leaf
and petal to be living.
You are soil and insect and root.

Dean Atta's "There is (still) love here" is a heartfelt exploration of his Greek Cypriot and Jamaican heritage, alongside his LGBTQ+ experiences. The poems offer authentic insights and celebrate the richness of his identity, making them both personal and universally relatable. However, while some pieces are deeply moving, others lack the poetic form and structure to fully resonate. Despite this, the collection's emotional depth and cultural significance make it a worthwhile read. I give it 3 out of 5 stars, appreciating the themes but finding the execution occasionally lacking.

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a beautiful collection. Dean Atta has a true gift. Each poem was so captivating and lyrical that I devoured this in one sitting.

[Mahrukh | diaspora.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each poem is beautiful! Always a pleasure reading Dean Atta's books.

[Cara L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this beautiful collection of poetry from Dean Atta.
"You don't have to show leaf
and petal to be living.
You are soil and insect and root."

[Shane Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good small book filled with loving gay poetry. A top one to read for Pride Month.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant collection.

[Elle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poetry is not my strong suit. In fact I usually don’t like it. But the realism of Atta’s poetry really hits me. I especially loved How to be a poet, Circassian circle, and Empathy

[mercedes~ · Rating 2 out of 5]

there were some poems i did really enjoy. at the end of the day, it just wasnt for me

wish we could do .5s because id rather put 2.5

[Mona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dean Atta can do no bad work.

[Haley Sparks · Rating 4 out of 5]

If a book of poetry moves me in any way, I give it 4 stars