Reviews: Springfield Road Revisited & The Madonna Secret

My latest book reviews on Goodreads:

Springfield Road: A Poet’s Childhood Revisited by Salena Godden

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely adored this book. I think the author was born just a couple of months before I made my own appearance into the world so it took me right back to my own childhood in 1970s Britain. The detail and nuance of this particular time is very well evoked with many references that had me squealing 'ohh, I remember that' or 'yes that happened to me too' - favourite music, TV programmes, playground games etc. are recollected viscerally.

There are extremely sad and depressing elements to the story and these are told with clarity and grace. The realities of life for anyone who felt different from the norm in any way as a child, and the often horrifying difficulties that resulted, are not swept under the carpet in this memoir, but exposed deliberately, with sensitivity and without denying the deep disappointment that Life and the decisions made by people around us, can enact upon us.. continue reading.. 

The Madonna Secret by Sophie Strand
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So much to love in Sophie Strand's The Madonna Secret. Here is the story you've been yearning for, the missing pieces to a confusing, bedraggled, ancient jigsaw which though it will always remain incomplete, can now, thanks to Sophie and other writers like her, at least give a sense of clarity if not a conclusion.

I listened to the audiobook version which is narrated by Sophie herself and so beautifully captures the feeling of living, loving and being in that potent time, of Miriam / Mary's passions, desires, fears, anguish, love and joy, of her deep knowing and connection to the land around her, the ecology, wildlife and memories of the women who came before and those yet to come.. continue reading.

Salena Godden & Hollie McNish on Book Off

There is something very special about attending live poetry. Being witness to another human's soul searching or life observations is an honour, even if you don't particularly resonate with the poetry itself. But when all the elements conspire and time, space, character, lyricism, receptivity, emotional state, performance and environment are in alignment, a magical experience can be conjured up that will remain in your heart forever.

I saw Holly McNish reading in the tranquil setting of St Andrews Hall in Norwich a few years ago and although I was already familiar with her writing, was blown away by her unassuming nature on stage, the unforced humour in her work and the way she delivered each poem with the air of a friend sharing nuggets of gossip or heartfelt concerns across the dining table.

First Light festival in Lowestoft a couple summers ago was where I was fortunate enough to discover Salena Godden in the First Word poetry tent. When her majestic figure robed in emerald green took to the stage, spread her arms wide and began to shower the audience in effervescent words cloaked in that unmistakeable smoky sing-song voice, I knew I was in the presence of a Goddess. 

Holly and Salena are genuinely two of my absolute favourite working poets so I was delighted to discover that they were featured together on the latest episode of Book Off podcast. It is a fabulous show full of fun, wit and of course great poetry. Check it out below: