Reviews, by Trevor Reeves

Tennis with Raw Eggs, anthology. The sixth in the re-draft series. Edited by James Norcliffe and Alan Bunn. Clerestory Press / School for young writers, Christchurch NZ, 2007.
This is the sixth year for this most interesting publication, consisting of hundreds of entries from all over New Zealand. This is their showcase. It has no restrictions on genre or style, and it is a wonderful resource for universities educational and other institutions. As the title suggests, it is fantasy opposing reality. One hopes these young writers can sustain this fantasy quality. Redrafting is all about retaining the essence and I can see that this has been achieved. Really good fresh work - worth all the time and effort. This book could have done with a list/bio details but no matter, enjoy it as it is. Thoroughly recommended.

The Year of Adverbs. Elizabeth Smither, poems. Auckland University Press, Auckland NZ.
After fifteen previous collections, this one is just as good, really. An award winner and a D.Litt and Smither's work just gets better and better. Her work has appeared in Southern Ocean Review and we are grateful for her support. I wish there was more space here to talk about this splendid book but must leave it with the sincerest recommendation that you buy this books and enjoy it as much as I have.

Contemporary New Zealand Poets in Performance. Edited by Jack Ross and Jan Kemp. Auckland University Press, Auckland NZ.
A long time in preparation, this splendid anthology comes complete with CD's (2) containing all the works read by the writers. This is a sequel to the spoken anthology Classic New Zealand Poets in Performance 171 poets recorded in 2002-2004 and in 1974, 53 poets recorded Making 2, or 3 LP's as they were then. It contains 27 poets who came of age in the early 1970's. So from a number of sources, actually, and representing a large amount of work by the editors to make up this 162 page book that you will need for your shelves (after a good read and listen first, of course!). Historical and interesting stuff indeed - a credit to all involved!

The Pop-Up Book of invasions. Fiona Farrell. Auckland University Press, Auckland NZ. Pbk 94 pages.
Flick through the pages, and nothing pops up, but never mind, I am arrested mid-flick by the words at times. This interest is confirmed by reading it all. Fiona Farrell has had a distinguished career so far in her writing. Being anthologised in the best anthologies and winning prizes - deservedly, it would seem. This book resulted from a half-year visit to Ireland; sensitively interpreting the landscape and people, and ruminating on the many who emigrated to New Zealand (the 'invasion') - this is part family record, too.

Becoming Someone who Isn't. Jill Chan. ESAW Press, Paekakariki, Wellington, NZ. RRP $18.00. 64pp.
This is an attractive book by Jill Chan. Trained in chemistry, she makes good with 'the word' and this little book is an excellent example of that. A new voice delving into the realms of love, hope, despair and beauty is always welcome and Chan's contribution to this is very fresh and welcome. Her first book, The Smell of Oranges was by the same publisher in 2003. Jill Chan was born in Manila in 1973. Origin of Wakefulness (1st section) leads into A Station in the Snow, then, Becoming Someone who Isn't then the last section: Journal. Many of the poems are introspective, but certainly not turgid. Very serious work, this, but otherwise filled with wonder, like 'Sunday' and 'Lunch' - some good work, well worth getting.

Autumn Leaves, poems by Rosalie Carey. No.13 in the ESAW series - 24pp.
My association with Rosalie began many years ago - about 1967/68 really. I acted in a play then and later became involved with poetry readings at the Globe Theatre in Dunedin, which she and her late husband, Patric Carey ran. Lovely to see her popping up here with a splendid little book of her poems - but she is experienced, with four previous books of poetry to her name. Now in her mid-eighties she continues to teach oral communication and drama, and is still a professional actor. Her poems are fresh and interesting, and I suggest you make an attempt to get hold of this little book for you enjoyment, and your collection.

Timeless Love. Poems by Peter Dane. Hudson Cresset publishers, Auckland, NZ.
This is Peter Dane's fifth collection of poems. Peter Dane is a German born in 1921. He fled to England because of the Nazis, as many people of real talent did. A scholar, he studied Greek theology and literature. He developed a mature poetic in his second language, English. After studies and degrees he taught English literature at Auckland University. He took environmental causes later. He has four books of poetry published so far. Unabashedly emotional, these poems are remarkable in the conciseness of their expression - a lot of pain and joy here. I liked 'the little good'. Splendid. There's many here you may like, certainly enough to want to buy the book for a good read.

The girl Child. P. R. Lakshman; self published, India - but in NZ, P. O. Box 51167, Pakuranga, Auckland.
Not having read this novel completely, I am unable to comment in detail. It is a compact book (195pp) but would make a great read on a bus or train. It is based on very real events and I am keen to finish reading it. Try this one if you can get it.

The Legend of Eno 'Che' Llama, Picaro Press, Australia. Will Fraser.
This is another in the series by Will Fraser and has the dedication “Liberty before Gold”. Nice. That 'Llama'; the peg, nemesis, or hinge of the poems herein. Fun stuff. Meet a mind on the move. This is the second of the trilogy; don't miss the third.

More reviews next issue.

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