My review of A History of Western Music by American poet August Kleinzahler has just appeared in London Grip. The collection was terrific fun to read and to write about.
You can buy it from Carcanet here. Enjoy!
Tag: London Grip
New review for ‘Safe Ground’!
Jennifer Johnson is known for her meticulous reviews and I love the way she draws sections of the book together, building to this enthusiastic encomium at the finish:
“I highly recommend Safe Ground as it intelligently and powerfully communicates both the pain and joy of a complex life, lived by a cultured woman who has resolved ‘Like father, like daughter, I would live my life to the full and embrace love.’”
You can get your own copy of #SafeGround from your local Waterstones or online at Waterstones, the publisher Mica and Amazon.
*Sadly, the original link has been lost with three years of other London Grip reviews. Luckily Johnson’s review has been archived via Wayback Machine, as explained by London Grip: it’s on the page for 20 June, 2025. As luck would also have it, I laid out the review in full – before it was lost – on my Reviews & Features page here – please scroll down beyond The High Window. Thank you.
Okapi by Fiona Moore – my latest review for London Grip
My latest review for London Grip was a pleasure to write. I love the coast and to spend time with Moore’s descriptions of her time in the Outer Hebrides was exquisite.
My latest review for London Grip: Vaughan Pilikian’s Tierce
What do Mary Poppins, Ezra Pound, Don Maclean and Bach have in common? They’re all mentioned in my latest review for London Grip. Vaughan Pilikian’s Tierce is an extraordinary collection that asks more questions than it answers
Latest review for London Grip: God’s Little Artist by Sue Hubbard
My latest review for London Grip is of God’s Little Artist, Sue Hubbard’s distillation of Welsh artist Gwen John’s life in short, beautifully constructed poems. I found myself deeply moved by Hubbard’s writing and by Gwen John’s strength in pursuing her art.
My London Grip review of Vision on Platform 2 by Nancy Mattson
Now and again a poetry collection really gets under the skin. Nancy Mattson’s Vision on Platform 2 was a treat to read: ‘Not many collections combine grief, heroism, spirituality, sensuality and humour so rewardingly … this collection is addictive and fun.‘
My London Grip review of Osteology by Lizzi Hawkins
is online today right here. Happy reading…
One for the Road
As my editor at London Grip has said, I’ve ‘entered into the spirit of an intoxicating anthology of pub poems mixed by Helen Mort and Stuart Maconie’. I’m not fond of all pubs actually but this anthology encapsulates in excellent poetry the ups and downs of pub life, and the best of them.
#Afterhours by Inua Ellams
My latest poetry review is here on the marvellous London Grip website. If slush and drizzle are keeping you snug indoors, London Grip is your perfect companion. Every kind of culture is there.
London Grip poetry review – Jennifer A. McGowan’s With Paper for Feet
My latest review for London Grip is here. London Grip is a fantastic online culture magazine and it’s free. Happy browsing.
Rosie Johnston 