Plum by Hollie McNish arrived in the post, it was refreshing to be sent a poetry book to review for a change. Initially I dipped in and out reading the poems in a random order chosen by the titles that most appealed to me. Then when I had more time at the weekend I sat down and read this collection of poems from cover to cover. Plum is a collection of McNish’s contemporary poems cleverly interspersed with poems that she wrote as a child and a teenager.
Hollie McNish, winner of the Ted Hughes Award for Poetry, has thrilled and entranced audiences the length and breadth of the UK with her compelling and powerful performances. Plum, her debut for Picador Poetry, is a wise, sometimes rude and piercingly candid account of her memories from childhood to attempted adulthood. This is a book about growing up, about flesh, fruit, friendships, work and play – and the urgent need to find a voice for the poems that will somehow do the whole glorious riot of it justice.
I could relate to Hollie’s wonderful words throughout the whole book- I read the book nodding along, thinking deeply and also laughing out loud at the humour. In this anthology, there is a poem to suit almost every occasion. When we were going through the election, I read “Politicans” which Hollie wrote aged 18, when she was forced to watch the news before she could switch to The Simpsons (or other “brilliant 6 o’clock US Television”). Oh yes, I remember those days too. The poem is just as relevant today.
“You ‘want us equal, want fair rules’
and send your kids to public schools
you moan about the ‘country’s state’
books for schools, the time you wait
in hospitals, the lack of care
although you don’t get treated there
you promise them you have a plan
but you’ve stretched the budget all you can.”
There were poems that instantly brought me back to my own childhood, teen years and first part time jobs and poems that gave me a jolt as they reflect so much of my life right now. “Call on Me” and “And We Talk” particularly hit a nerve.
“We don’t call on each other anymore
we all live too far away
and now impromptu visits worry you
might interrupt my day”
“and we talk about the seed packs
for handy fat-free snacking
and when children beg the park from us
we tell them we are chatting”
Each poem is raw and honest and says what we would all like to say and should say. “Oasis” is written for her oldest friend who lost her husband.
“i am on tour
and you
you are following your husband in a hearse”
Plum is like a conversation with a close friend, indeed it will remind you of many of your conversations with friends, no topic is off limits, “Yanking”, periods, orgasms, body parts are all talked about. “Voldemort” is a particularly humorous and thought provoking poem about always using the proper names for things:
“the english language
perhaps the fullest in the world
over fifteen words for rain
everyone says willy
but no girls’ word
is the same”
I know I’m going to share this book and also encourage my friends to buy a copy so we can discuss the issues raised, reminisce and laugh our heads off together. It would make a great boozy book club read and is an important and enjoyable read for all.
Holly McNish Live
You can catch Hollie McNish Live on the Plum Book Tour on the dates shown on the poster above (I’ve heard great things about her live shows).
Win one copy of Plum by Hollie McNish
If you’d like to win a copy of Plum by Hollie McNish then read on to enter the Rafflecopter below (there is also a chance to win a copy on our Facebook page). Don’t forget to read the terms and conditions- good luck!:
Many thanks to the following Competition Promoters:
Competitions UK at AllUKCompetitions.com
– Find the best UK Competitions brought together all in one spot. It’s free and updated daily!
Wow! Can't honestly remember when I read poetry last. It sounds wonderful.
This looks great!
I would love a copy of this book. Thank you for running such a lovely giveaway!