Greg Delanty, a Cork poet based in Vermont, has been recognized as a champion of those forgotten by Colum McCann. His recent poetry collection, The Professor of Forgetting, impressively demonstrates his unyielding energy and literary prowess, continuing from his focus on environmental issues to tackle the ephemeral nature of time. This book feels as though the vanished creatures of his previous work, No More Time (2020), have evolved into invisible entities of hours and minutes. Subjects such as love, distance, immigration, and family all huddle within the finite confines of his poetic expression. With early praise from the likes of Christopher Ricks and Seamus Heaney, Delanty an admirable talent. His latest collection stands as a testament to his mastery, yet another gift impeccably timed.
In the memoir realm, Rosamund Young, an organic farmer and acclaimed author of The Secret Life of Cows, returns with The Wisdom of Sheep & Other Animals: Observations from a Family Farm. Young enriches her anthropomorphic narrative with her comprehensive understanding of animals, drawing on her experiences working at Kite’s Nest Farm, engaging readers with her jovial, anecdotal writing style. However, the book’s structure might be found lacking, concluding rather abruptly. For a deeper view into the reality of sheep farming, James Rebanks’ The Shepherd’s Life may better cater to some readers.
Lastly, Victoria Mas offers the intriguing narrative The Island of Mists and Miracles, translated by Frank Wynne.
Inspired by St Catherine Labouré, a Daughter of Charity of St Vincent de Paul who allegedly had a Virgin Mary vision 200 years prior that led her to the creation of the miraculous medals currently worn by multitudes globally, this short book was crafted by the top-sale French authoress of The Mad Woman’s Ball. At present time, Sister Anne finds herself on a quest on an isle near Brittany. When news of a fresh vision reaches public attention and disrupts the tranquillity of the island, the news makes the headlines. Although the depiction of characters is somewhat unclear initially and although there’s a slight cliched touch to the prose, the narrative is dealt with elegance despite these minor setbacks. The author’s name is Helen Cullen.