Just So Stories

New South Books

Nov 2023 | Polygon | 9781846976452 | 112pp | 198x129mm | GEN | AUD$29.99, NZD$34.99

I’ve been a AM-S fan for a long time, but this is the first time I’ve experienced his poetry. As he does throughout much of his prose writing, the author shares his deep love of both his country and its wonderful people and places. Additionally, this volume focuses very much on love, kindness and the day-to-day moments that make all our lives richer.

Some of the poems are a mere few lines in length, others spread themselves across pages and, wedged between, are paragraphs which detail or provide background. This was, by far, one of the pleasantest reads of my past month. It was both gentle and soothing, as well as a refreshment to my spirit.

There are poems that are profound, as well as those based on more prosaic topics – who could not love a poem that talks of the scrambling of eggs (as a metaphor)? 

I have always loved poetry and its ability to express so much in a condensed format, and it was pure joy to read this slender but very special collection. Also, it has one of the loveliest book jackets I’ve seen in quite a long time.

I think this will be one of those rare ones that will stay on my shelf, to reach for in bleak moments, when I’m in need of some thoughtful and comforting philosophy. I highly recommend it to you.