12/06/2024
I'm delighted by the enthusiastic response to the latest book from the Hickathrift Press: Endless River - Poems of Andrew Stephen.
I was involved in the editing and design of the book, of which I'm very proud.
Marc Starling has written an excellent review and kindly given me permission to reprint it here . . .
I am very pleased to review Andrew’s latest book, an anthology of his poetry, written from boyhood to the present day. As explained in the Foreword, the collection stems from the happy rediscovery of a box file of long-forgotten poems, several of which have been re-worked, along with many new compositions.
Several of the poems will rekindle school-day memories, and Andrew is generous in acknowledging the influence of his English teachers. Both King’s Lynn and wider Norfolk feature widely, along with some of Andrew’s other passions, such as railways, travel, Cambridge United and country walks. Family is a frequent theme, celebrating love and fatherhood. Personally, I found ‘Alzheimer’s – A Case Study’, a tribute to his mother, heartrendingly poignant.
Inevitably for a long-serving teacher, we have poetry inspired by the world of education. Few of us who have experienced a tedious staff meeting or INSET day will be surprised by the poem ‘Meeting’. The pair of poems, ‘It’s My Heritage Too’ resonated for me, particularly the pleasure in realising, ‘my pupils imposed their youth on me’ – something with which I can gratefully empathise.
There is much wistfulness and melancholy here, reflections on lost loves and friendships, but always transcended by Andrew’s characteristic hopefulness and positivity. The realisation that the briefest of human encounters can remain with us for the rest of our lives is another experience I share.
In his foreword, Andrew describes the influence of T.S. Eliot, and this is evident in his style, particularly for me in the four Prologues with which the collection opens. As a musician, I find musicality in the rhythm and pulse of the poetry, including the occasional imperfect cadence – and that’s a compliment! Andrew has an ability to convey so much in one word or short phrase, to take the reader to a particular place or time, or to cause you to know well a human being you’ve never met. The book leads seamlessly to the final poem which gives it its title, and which leaves the reader thoughtful and enriched, ready to continue with life’s journey.
Andrew is fortunate in his editor, Dave Phillips, who has designed the book immaculately, with adeptly chosen photographs, apt quotations, and a perceptive Endpiece.
Buy the anthology, pour yourself a glass of whatever you enjoy, settle in a quiet corner, and indulge yourself with a little well-deserved tranquillity.
Marc Starling
June 2024
ENDLESS RIVER - Poems of Andrew Stephen is available in hardback, paperback and Kindle ebook on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Endless-River-Poems-Andrew-Stephen/dp/B0D54LPYXP/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3BMVQ1SXX2PTY&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LWxDFvlD6yoIc4__gsFq8SjaQwdifhQfPC0YoNe4gblRTejvNbXGN8Ca1X25W5iOta9kYH07tVx-VmxKsAHV7yI_C_jj7MjE3C1xZp1d1NY.LHZ7AzsKGsaVabFxQr3Alu5C6yVN4oDyVvRCbyo1mSg&dib_tag=se&keywords=endless+river+andrew+stephen&qid=1718175480&sprefix=endless+river+a%2Caps%2C104&sr=8-1
