casparb's review against another edition
I wasn't altogether sure what to expect here but i warmed up fast. I'm not familiar enough with Ondaatje these are his selected poems and I was amazed I had a fantastic time. MO is highly influenced by Wallace Stevens - he wears that influence on his sleeve and transforms it as in King Kong Meets Wallace Stevens or in the kind of remarkably-conceived poem Dates which is one of those that leaves me wondering how somebody comes up with something like that in the first place.
Love the love and its troubles in Bearhug. Short poems paint scenes very well I'm reminded of Kathleen Jamie's talent for that. Also the title poem here is one of the finest erotic poems of the late 20th century. If I have a complaint it's that dogs keep dying in these poems and I think Michael treats that just as he should every time it comes up but my word. Extended responses to Pound too which is always points. Application for a Driving License floored me now That's a poem to keep
Read the unspooling Elimination Dance too it's sharp
So many of these I think deserve screaming from rooftops or stamping into walls. I think basically nobody in the UK talks about these though which is a huge shame! it would benefit! thank you so much Willow for the rec it was successful
In real life
men talk about art
women judge men
Love the love and its troubles in Bearhug. Short poems paint scenes very well I'm reminded of Kathleen Jamie's talent for that. Also the title poem here is one of the finest erotic poems of the late 20th century. If I have a complaint it's that dogs keep dying in these poems and I think Michael treats that just as he should every time it comes up but my word. Extended responses to Pound too which is always points. Application for a Driving License floored me now That's a poem to keep
Read the unspooling Elimination Dance too it's sharp
So many of these I think deserve screaming from rooftops or stamping into walls. I think basically nobody in the UK talks about these though which is a huge shame! it would benefit! thank you so much Willow for the rec it was successful
In real life
men talk about art
women judge men
caw21's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
hermgerm's review against another edition
4.0
My favorite collection by Ondaatje
There are some truly beautiful poems in the Cinnamon Peeler, of which my favorite is “The Time Around Scars,” one of the weirdest love poems you’ll ever read. The rest covers topics as varied as family, childhood, friendship, dreams, and fantasy. Highly recommended!
There are some truly beautiful poems in the Cinnamon Peeler, of which my favorite is “The Time Around Scars,” one of the weirdest love poems you’ll ever read. The rest covers topics as varied as family, childhood, friendship, dreams, and fantasy. Highly recommended!
tregina's review against another edition
4.0
I have always loved Ondaatje's "Elimination Dance" (in all of its many incarnations). Here I found plenty of other poems to love as well. Perhaps not all of them, but a high enough ratio that I was delighted.
sarahreadsaverylot's review against another edition
4.0
Intensely personal, visual narratives.
I felt like an intruder even though his writing is as accessible as ever.
I felt like an intruder even though his writing is as accessible as ever.
solmaz_sali's review against another edition
5.0
i cant put my emotions about this poetry collection into words. its a masterpiece what else did you expect? ondaatje is one of my favourite poets and the way he plays with words, rhythm, meter, ... is incredible
there is always so much to unpack and think about while reading his poems and you can tell how much time and effort he has put in writing them.
he captures the anxiety of an artist in the best way possible.
are you happy?
No I am not happy
lucky though
there is always so much to unpack and think about while reading his poems and you can tell how much time and effort he has put in writing them.
he captures the anxiety of an artist in the best way possible.
are you happy?
No I am not happy
lucky though
jessicasamantha's review against another edition
5.0
I hardly know what to say.
Something I adored and simultaneously felt annoyed by was how poetic Michael Oondatje's novels are. I would get carried away by his amazing precision and beautiful choice for words, but I always felt that his poetic tangents got in the way of the story. Now that I've actually read his poetry, I'm taken aback by just how narrative-esque his poetry is, and yet I'm not surprised. Each section is a condensed novel, except, each poem is a separate moment, a moment you seem to remember having participated in yourself, as an outside viewer.
I love the word "moon" and no matter what I am reading, I always circle the word if it's written down. I'm pretty sure I circled the word "moon" at least 150 times during this entire book. And I'm not even complaining.
Favorites: "Burning Hills", "Country Night", "Sallie Chisum / Last Words on Billy the Kid. 4 a.m." and "The Cinnamon Peeler"
Something I adored and simultaneously felt annoyed by was how poetic Michael Oondatje's novels are. I would get carried away by his amazing precision and beautiful choice for words, but I always felt that his poetic tangents got in the way of the story. Now that I've actually read his poetry, I'm taken aback by just how narrative-esque his poetry is, and yet I'm not surprised. Each section is a condensed novel, except, each poem is a separate moment, a moment you seem to remember having participated in yourself, as an outside viewer.
I love the word "moon" and no matter what I am reading, I always circle the word if it's written down. I'm pretty sure I circled the word "moon" at least 150 times during this entire book. And I'm not even complaining.
Favorites: "Burning Hills", "Country Night", "Sallie Chisum / Last Words on Billy the Kid. 4 a.m." and "The Cinnamon Peeler"
dashie's review against another edition
4.0
"high on poetry and mountains."
I don't have much experience with poetry, I haven't read enough to know what I'm talking about. But I love finding myself in the midst of a block of words, and judging by that alone I can't recommend this book enough. I have a feeling I would prefer his other book more.
It is no secret that I adore Ondaatje's prose and how he creates a raw kaleidoscope of the real through the master craft of his writing. This book of poems is no exception to that same recipe.
I borrowed this from the library, I need to own my own copy.
"I write about you
as if I own you
which I do not
As you can say nothing
this is mine"
I don't have much experience with poetry, I haven't read enough to know what I'm talking about. But I love finding myself in the midst of a block of words, and judging by that alone I can't recommend this book enough. I have a feeling I would prefer his other book more.
It is no secret that I adore Ondaatje's prose and how he creates a raw kaleidoscope of the real through the master craft of his writing. This book of poems is no exception to that same recipe.
I borrowed this from the library, I need to own my own copy.
"I write about you
as if I own you
which I do not
As you can say nothing
this is mine"