Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Can hardly believe it....




And this lovely write-up from Jon Stone, the competition judge -

“I chose Marion McCready’s Tree Language as the overall winner for two major reasons: firstly, the poetry is incredibly dark and rich and bloody (blood is a particular theme), with frequently brilliant lines and almost Celan-esque word pairings: ‘blood-cut son’, ‘snow-eyes dressing’, ‘death fruits’. Or how about a poem that opens, running on from its title:
Like a dead shrew
the baby lies comically still.
Secondly, as a collection, it’s superbly structured. Repetition within and between the poems is used to haunting effect; often, a motif or image returns in the manner of a memory resurfacing, or a recurring dream. The loosely held themes allow her to cover a range of territory, including war poems, over four distinct chapters, without seeming to stray from the direct path established in the opening pieces. This is assured, disconcertingly potent work with a sharp and distinctive flavour.”
Todd Swift, Publisher of Eyewear said “We are thrilled to be publishing Marion in 2014.  Tree Language is an extraordinary collection from a debut poet of rare ability and vision. This collection is a real find and I am ecstatic that through the Melita Hume Prize we are able to celebrate such a strong talent. ”
Tree Language will be publishing by Eyewear in Spring 2014.

12 comments:

Clarissa Aykroyd said...

That's wonderful news! Congratulations. You must be so excited. "Celan-esque"...huge compliment!

James Owens said...

Very loud congratulations!! I would be dizzy about now, were I you :-)

.

Heather said...

Wow! Congratulations. You must be reeling still. Fantastic.

Marion McCready said...

It is a massive compliment, isn't it?! Thanks Clarissa! :)

Thanks James, yes, completely amazed! :)

Thanks Heather, I am!!! :)

Titus said...

Oh wow, wow, wow! This is so brilliant, huge congratulations, and you are so worth it!

Really looking forward to the book.

Margie said...

How VERY wonderful!
Congratulations!!!!!

Roxana said...

WOW

i am so thrilled for you, oh this is awesome!!! wonderful, congratulations :-)))

Marion McCready said...

Thanks Titus, Margie & Roxana :) I'm over the moon about it!!

Claire Crowther said...

Not a surprise, you're an excellent poet. Many many congratulations.

Marion McCready said...

Thanks so much, Claire, that's so kind of you to say. The poem I wrote in your class at StAnza is in the collection :)x

A Cuban In London said...

Congrats! You must be over the moon.

Greetings from London

Marion McCready said...

Thankyou! :)