A review by seanius
Autumn Journal by Louis MacNeice
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’.