Scan barcode
leilasj's review against another edition
4.0
found this in the library while looking for something to read for my mods 1 exam. disappointed that it wasn't even mentioned on my course, as it is probably the only modernist poetry i've liked thus far. an autobiographical poem about the 1938-9 years, the approach of war, the moral dilemma, the civilian war effort and irish nationalism, as well as the hedonism of the 1930s and the poet's own life and love.
lucieloureads's review against another edition
4.0
listened to the BBC Radio 3 Colin Morgan narration and really enjoyed being swept up in the reflections on the passage of time
holies's review against another edition
4.0
I don't normally read poetry but today a friend told me Colin Morgan's reading of this poem was available on the iPlayer so I gave this a go. And I liked it so much I went and bought the ebook off Amazon to be able to read along as Morgan read to be able to appreciate the poetry better. I liked the intimate tone of the verses (it's a diary, duh), the crucial historical moment it was set in (and was a bit unnerved by how relevant most of the political/social commentary still is), the everyday description and little snapshots of London life. Poetry still is definitely not my cup of tea but MacNeice's free verse (that's what I'd call it in Italian) flows so easily this was not a hardahip to read. In short, I'm glad I read this, something I'd have never sought on my own. So, thank you Colin Morgan for luring me in with your sexy Irish accent, I guess?
seanius's review against another edition
4.0
A long lyrical poem, journaling the lonely thoughts of a young man fleeing his distant lover and his native industry-spoiled England. Set in 1938 when appeasement is failing and Londoners are nervously buying papers threatening war. The idealistic socialist side has failed in Spain against fascist forces. The atmosphere of anxiety and an impending change in world-order is all too familiar today (although, today it seems the Left that is going too far...).
There is some slightly juvenile treatment of romance, and the treatment of Irish identity is a little shallow and bitter. However, overall a wonderful piece of poetry, with nostalgia for an engrossing if futile Classical education, and a 'coming of age' in terms of disillusion with the young enamourment of Romance and of the possibilities for positive (and expedient!) political and social change.
Worth a read in these ‘interesting times’.
There is some slightly juvenile treatment of romance, and the treatment of Irish identity is a little shallow and bitter. However, overall a wonderful piece of poetry, with nostalgia for an engrossing if futile Classical education, and a 'coming of age' in terms of disillusion with the young enamourment of Romance and of the possibilities for positive (and expedient!) political and social change.
Worth a read in these ‘interesting times’.
kfrench1008's review against another edition
4.0
Long form poem about lost time, lost love, and the onset of war. Excellent.