Books

The poems in this book are mainly those of Sylvia Webber and Patrick Brady. Some of Sylvia's are funny. Her daughter's and mother's selected poems are included, and two poems by Sylvia's friends. There are some short stories, including ones by Sylvia's son and grand-daughter. 'I find your voice delightful. I think what I like best in your newer poems in addition to the very fine voice (very funny, but ironic and wise) is the great use of internal rhyme. Your verse resounds. I have been doing some work on Hopkins(and Hemans) and think it is very difficult to echo sound persuasively, which you do so effectively. So brava!'

S.M.Webber has that rare ability to craft a story that glows with the real, not always endearing innocence of childhood. What Happened After the Earthquake charms readers with its childlike intimacy and creeps in to unsettle imaginations under cover of quirkiness in the same way a major disaster nearby can quietly disrupt lives and relationships while not appearing to have damaged an area. Uncertainty can be disruptive in so many ways, but Tenniel's tale shows things are not always as bad as they might seem and change is not always a bad thing.

Tom Flood