{"product_id":"9781922571991","title":"Out of the Blocks","description":"Author: Ellen Shelley\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 9781922571991\u003cbr\u003ePublisher: Puncher and Wattmann\u003cbr\u003eYear first published: 01 Nov 2023\u003cbr\u003ePages: 70\u003cbr\u003eFormat: Paperback \/ softback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eOut of the Blocks \u003c\/i\u003eis the debut full-length poetry collection from Newcastle based poet Ellen Shelley. Curiosity, memory and deep feeling can be found in these poems that play with the dark edges of the lyrical I and explore the complexity in particular of human relationships, and the desire at times, to be outside of them. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'There is something implacable and, yes, startling, lurking under the surface of this book. The tone is gentle and considerate until suddenly  it is not! I felt quite buffeted, as if by one of the winds that Ellen Shelley delineates knowingly. There was so much I had to guess at  and yet I knew. \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eOut Of the Blocks \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003esidles up to you, takes you by the hand, and looks you in the eye.'   Jennifer Compton \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eOut of the Blocks \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003ehas the prophetic feel of a lucid dream. Poem after poem manage a difficult juggle of grounded-ness and elevation, to emerge with a wondrous new voice.'  Judy Johnson \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'In poems unafraid to probe old hurts and failings, \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eOut of the Blocks \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003emanages to stay grounded in a present where the act of writing is a kind of salvation. Enlivened by humour, clever word play and surprising imagery, Ellen Shelley's poems are swift and sure-footed, going straight to the heart and mind. This is a compelling first collection, impressively direct and strong.'  Jean Kent \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'Ellen Shelly's \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eOut of the Blocks \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003ecarefully examines the tenuous spaces between grief and joy. These are poems rooted in time and place  from Newcastle's Memorial Walk where \"Morning thumbs\/a ride on an overcast sky\", to the cold precision of an army barracks: \"I wake to tuck clean corners\/into a metal bed.\" Deeply observed, the poems in this collection are immersed in the physical world, but charged with nostalgia and desire, focused attention creating exquisite transformation.'  Magdalena Ball \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ships in 10 to 15 days","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46861507395742,"sku":"ADS-9781922571991","price":26.78,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0400\/9043\/5742\/files\/9781922571991.jpg?v=1779253231","url":"https:\/\/classicbargains.com.au\/products\/9781922571991","provider":"Classic Bargains Australia","version":"1.0","type":"link"}