Love Reading have selected Daylight Come as their August 2021 Book Club Recommendation. They have published a series of questions for book clubs and a review.
In 1994, I was in London for the announcement of the Forward Poetry Prize for First Book of poetry. I had been shortlisted for this prize, which was then a few years old, but already quite prestigious and much sought after. On the night of the event, Jean “Binta” Breeze, who was on the judges panel that selected the winner, met me at the South Bank Centre, brilliant with her smile, and lively as ever. It was great to hear her Jamaican, comforting and reassuring, and it was truly affirming to hear her say, “You belong here,” though I felt like an interloper on so many levels.
Malika Booker’s reading of her tribute poem 'To Poet Cyprian Kamil Norwid' was recently shared to the Polish Cultural Institute in London YouTube page. Watch it below.
We have just received the terrible news that acclaimed poet Jean 'Binta' Breeze has died.
Jean passed away yesterday in Jamaica, aged 65, after a period of ill health.
Our thoughts are with her family, friends and colleagues at this time. We know the Caribbean and British literary worlds will grieve this loss.
We are honoured to have worked with Jean, who contributed to the anthology Jubilation!, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Jamaica's independence and edited by Kwame Dawes.
Image: Drax Windmill & Drax Hall, Barbados, West Indies, Unknown author, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
'Several independent publishers in the north of England are reporting unprecedented growth and success, despite the difficulties of the past 12 months,' reports The Bookseller, in an article that mentions Peepal Tree.
ProQuest has a feature on Peepal Tree, where journalist Bob Nardini says, 'From the very beginning, Peepal Tree’s books have been a way for Empire to speak back. Though small in relative size, Peepal Tree is a prominent voice in Caribbean and Black British writing.'
Marvin Thompson has been shortlisted for Wales Book of the Year Poetry Award 2021. The prize is open to a public vote, so anyone can vote for their favourite author.
Meanwhile, Marvin spoke to the prize organisers, Llenyddiaeth Cymru, to say what it means to him to be shortlisted.
Monica Minott has been interviewed by HJ Book Blog, where she talks about her latest collection, Zion Roses:
Love Reading is currently running a competition for a free copy of Fortune by Amanda Smyth, as well as a gorgeous tote bag.
Enter before the end of 1 August 2021 to be in with a chance of winning.
