Poetry has never been a big part of my reading. For some reason, it doesn’t seem to click with my brain. It may have something to do with my reading style. I’m a fast reader; not a skimmer, but I do read at speed and that reading goes primarily to create a movie in my head. This doesn’t really work with poetry, and over the years, I’ve found it difficult to modify that style. The one thing I can do with verse is read it aloud; perform it. This has the virtue of forcing you to slow down, and appreciate the language and the rhythm.
I’ve been a fan of Kae Tempest’s work for a while and have a couple of their albums, but this is the first of their poetry I’ve read. And what an introduction. A work designed to be read aloud was almost too perfect. But I was still cautious. I thought I’d read the first few pages to see how it went. I soon found myself drawn along, unable to stop, and although I was the one reading, I could hear Kae’s voice in my head, reading along with me. Some time later, I put the finished book down, emotionally spent.
I’m not sure I can put into words how I felt as I read through this tale. It is a story of two interconnected families over the years, and is a powerful and thought-provoking piece. Kae’s use of language is masterful, and their use of repetition particularly appeals to me. Their understanding of human nature, so clear in all their work, allows them to build characters and portray events which make you respond on a deep emotional level.
It is quite short – 46 pages – but that very length allows you to consume it at one sitting, and experience the whole story without a break. Was it perfect? No. The ending had a different pace to the rest which briefly drew me out of the work, and there were questions I’d have liked answers to. But those are creative decisions not errors. Overall, it’s a powerful, wonderful read. I urge you to try it, and if you do, please read it aloud. Perform it, if you will. Or seek out the creator themself performing it. (Hint: I understand it may be on YouTube …)
This is a review of the Picador Poetry 2013 edition.
