Read John Siddique !

I’m probably the last to arrive at the John Siddique party….

He is described by The Spectator Magazine as “A Stellar Poet”. The Times of India describes him as “Rebellious by nature, pure at heart.” Jackie Kay describes his writing as “A brilliant, balancing act”. He has numerous awards, honours and fellowships.

… thanks to Emma (Purshouse) I have now arrived, thrown my shoes in the corner, and am singing at the top of my voice !!

I LOVE JOHN SIDDIQUE’S POETRY !!!!

RECITAL : An Almanac was published by Salt in 2009.

The back of the book says: From the depths of love to the London Bombings Recital looks at the world over the space of a year. In a time when the general reader often considers poetry to be of little relevance, here is a writer and a book that has never been more relevant to the questions of today and the people we are; and I agree

I say: This is what poetry is all about – the words and phrases in themselves are easily understandable and truthful – then they slide you into a profound place without any effort. The book is a whole, and its parts are vibrant. So often I want the last couple of lines removed or find a verse unnecessary when I’m reading poetry – not here – every word is right. There is most definitely a Japanese influence within some of the poems, and there is a meditative effect as you read. Wonderful !

FULL BLOOD was published by Salt in 2011

The back of the book says: Intelligent, sensual, highly erotic, manly and beautiful mortal; and I agree

I say: When I started reading this – it felt like a bucket of cold water in my face – I don’t know if that’s happened to you ? – It really woke me up. I sat on the edge of my seat, and couldn’t put it down. These poems are stories, are moments, are simple to understand and so profound, they are truthful, touching, scary, hot. I can’t really describe the book – you’ll have to read it for yourself

I have been devouring both books. John Siddique’s poetry marries simplicity with the profound. Always an unpretentiousness and deep honesty; an unflinchingness. He quotes Peter Gabriel, Gideon Levy, Ian Fleming at the starts of sections of Full Blood. There is a flow through both books. The poem The Knife is extraordinary, Adultery made me flush deeply. The moon poems that occur through Recital are wonderful – in fact Recital has a slowing down effect – meditative, a sense of oneness with the world as I read it, nothing preachy – but kinda like a prayer. While Full Blood woke me up, like only occasionally poetry manages to do to me: How to become a moth! Mary !! and what about the title poem of Full Blood? 5 lines on page 82. Unexpected and perfect.

I wonder what his next collection will bring to the world?

I, for one, can’t wait

s described by The Spectator Magazine as ‘A Stellar British Poet,’ and ‘The Times of India calls him ‘Rebellious by nature, pure at heart.’  He is the author of Full Blood, Recital – An Almanac, Poems From A Northern Soul, and The Prize. His poetry collection Don’t Wear It On Your Head is a perennial favourite with younger readers. He is the co-author of the story/memoir Four Fathers.

His poems, essays and articles have featured in Granta, The Guardian, Poetry Review, The Rialto and on BBC Radio 4. Acclaimed novelist Bina Shah says he is ‘One of the best poets of our generation.’ Jackie Kay speaks of Siddique’s writing as being ‘A brilliant balancing act.’
The Times describes Full Blood as ‘Technically virtuosic, yet direct and sensual,’ and Dawn – Books & Authors says his work is ‘Bold as love… Each word is to be savoured like a sip of forbidden wine.’ Professor Lauri Ramey of CSULA  calls Recital ‘One of the most important British poetry books of the last twenty years.’e is described by The Spectator Magazine as ‘A Stellar British Poet,’ and ‘The Times of India calls him ‘Rebellious by nature, pure at heart.’  He is the author of Full Blood, Recital – An Almanac, Poems From A Northern Soul, and The Prize. His poetry collection Don’t Wear It On Your Head is a perennial favourite with younger readers. He is the co-author of the story/memoir Four Fathers.

His poems, essays and articles have featured in Granta, The Guardian, Poetry Review, The Rialto and on BBC Radio 4. Acclaimed novelist Bina Shah says he is ‘One of the best poets of our generation.’ Jackie Kay speaks of Siddique’s writing as being ‘A brilliant balancing act.’

The Times describes Full Blood as ‘Technically virtuosic, yet direct and sensual,’ and Dawn – Books & Authors says his work is ‘Bold as love… Each word is to be savoured like a sip of forbidden wine.’ Professor Lauri Ramey of CSULA  calls Recital ‘One of the most important Bri