The book features a compelling Irish urban voice that merges the grit of a street warrior with the sensitivity of a muse poet. This unique perspective resonates not only within its cultural context but also extends to broader influences, including Russian themes and the mystical elements of Sufi love. The blend of these diverse elements creates an extraordinarily appealing narrative that captures the complexities of life and emotion.
From self-imposed distance ("I stand back from the streetlight at her school gate") to a distance that cannot be bridged in a single lifetime, the poems in Theo Dorgan's extraordinary new collection tell the story of Orpheus, the musician-poet, from artistic awakening through to the cost of remaining faithful to his calling. In a book presented in two halves, and composed throughout in sapphics - in English, one of the most challenging of poetic forms - Dorgan's contemporary Orpheus is part-drifter, part-troubadour, part-lover, recognising deeper patterns in his behaviour, but always of this place and time. In the book's second half, the locus shifts farther out into mythic space with a parallel narrative from the Greek world that both mirrors and interweaves with the first half's here-and-now. Together they offer a fresh, adventurous and unexpected take on a foundational mythic figure.
This is no ordinary love story; it is more than that. It is about joy and pain and laughter; life and loss; who we are and what really matters to us. A novel that touches on history, destiny, and fate.
Irish poet Theo Dorgan's new collection of poems takes its title from a sequence of elegies, Nine for the Nine Bright Shiners. Yet though the book is unflinching as it faces the deaths of friends and loved ones and, indeed, the poet's own mortality, it is unstinting in its celebration of life and love, art and travel, seeing in voyages to other lands - and languages - the new perspectives that help us make sense of who are.
The collection showcases the work of a renowned Irish poet, born in Cork in 1953, offering a vivid and sensual exploration of themes such as history, myth, love, and death. With technical brilliance, the poems invite readers on a journey through time and space, blending personal and universal experiences in a captivating manner.
A cherished ninth-century Irish poem, noted for its evocative imagery, has significantly influenced literature and inspired the creation of a prominent literary journal. The Yellow Nib focuses on showcasing exceptional writing from both established and emerging voices, fostering a community of creative talent. With a commitment to quality, the journal continues the legacy of the anonymous scribe, celebrating the art of poetry and prose.
The narrative captures a transatlantic voyage aboard the schooner Spirit of Oysterhaven, blending travelogue with deep personal reflection. Dorgan meticulously details the skills and labor involved in sailing, providing insights that could guide future adventurers. His exploration of the ocean's history and mysteries reveals profound themes of endurance and camaraderie among the crew. With a poetic perspective, he emphasizes that the journey's discoveries hold greater significance than the destination itself, creating a mesmerizing reading experience.