Strands

This second collection of poems by the Booker Prize-winning author of The Bone People is made up of three parts. The first poem, "Fishing the Olearia Tree," is a rich and moving exploration of natural processes. "Against Small Evil Voices" is a collection of chants, stories, and memories full of Maori elements and focused primarily on the strength of the family and the courage of women. Finally, "Winesongs" is a selection of more casual lyrics, attractive in expression and effortless in execution. Hulme's verse is loose, sometimes including passages of prose, but is shaped by a powerful romantic drive and a sophisticated attention to the behavior of language.