This collection of coasts and journeys, creatures and dreams is so crafted, and simultaneously substantial and light, that to read it is to be a stone skimming water.
As an unpublished manuscript, Foundling’s Island shared the Sanlam Literary Award in 2003.
About the author
P. R. Anderson lectures in English at the University of Cape Town. He lives in Woodstock, Cape Town, with his daughter.
Reviews
‘In P. R. Anderson’s stoic vision, our human need to keep things complex – to realize each moment in its full, unique vividness – is pitted against the relentless drive of the universe to simplify. Into the darkness at the far rim of consciousness the poet stubbornly probes in quest of the words that will incarnate our experience. Foundling’s Island is an impressive new collection, the work of a thoughtful, assured poet undaunted by the task that awaits him.’ J. M. Coetzee
‘P. R. Anderson’s new collection confirms a major voice – taut wit, tactile moment, wisdom, and the voluptuous easing out into – as one poem has it – the common cause to keep “abundant the abundant”. My personal favourite is “The Passing World”, a train journey where windows are also mirrors and tomorrow may arrive like a telegram following us.’ Jeremy Cronin
Here is a collection that needs to be kept close at hand so that it can be read and re-read
‘Foundling’s Island is one of the most deliciously complex books of poetry to appear in a while. … Words, rhythms and syntax combine to produce poems that mesmerize the reader. Mesmerizing, but not dull. Anderson probes our conscious, forcing us to grapple with the complexities of our everyday surroundings. Here is a collection that needs to be kept close at hand so that it can be read and re-read. … What stands out in Foundling’s Island is the author’s voice: Anderson’s unique, mature voice will haunt the reader. It is no accident that the collection garnered praise from the likes of Jeremy Cronin and J.M. Coetzee. Foundling’s Island is highly recommended.’ Peter Midgley, University of Alberta
Details
ISBN: 9781920218034