Animal People

Animal People is the new collection by the distinguished poet Carol Rumens. Often inspired by and infused with the weathers of various seasons of the year, a strong sense of place also features in most poems, whether it be the dramatic mountain rock-scapes of Snowdonia or the gritty streets of London. The title poem is a ten-page meditation or symphony in varying movements, on the theme of autism and explores what it is to 'be on the spectrum,' particularly for a young girl, and what the autistic perspective may mean for individuals and for human destiny. Drawing on personal and family experience, this poem is infused with the author's characteristic empathy, curiosity and humanity. There is a strong sense of commemoration in this collection, of time passing and of the challenges of mortality, and also a number of brilliant pieces that are influenced by translations or re-readings of classic works of literature. "The poetry is densely peopled, clamorous with voices, tender, furious and cut with an edge of hilarious clarity... the bravado, the assurance, of the beautiful-but-damned." – Sian Hughes, Poetry Review Animal People is the new collection by distinguished poet Carol Rumens. Often inspired by and infused with the weathers of various seasons of the year, many poems also feature a strong sense of place, whether it be the dramatic mountain rock-scapes of Snowdonia or the gritty streets of London and Hull. The key to the collection is the sequence 'On the Spectrum', which explores what it is to be 'on the autistic spectrum'. Drawing on personal and family experience, this poem is infused with the author's characteristic empathy, curiosity and humanity. There is a strong sense of commemoration in this collection, of time passing and of the challenges of mortality, and also a number of brilliant pieces that are influenced by translations or re-readings of classic works of literature. A new collection by the poet Carol Rumens is an eagerly-awaited event. 'Animal People', is inspired by what the author describes as 'the seasons of a sometimes Welsh and sometimes English year'. A lecturer at Bangor University, Rumens can dazzle with her descriptions of the Welsh countryside while also poking gentle fun at her status as 'incomer'