My favorite bookshop in the whole world is in Ennistymon, Co. Clare, Ireland but I’ve never actually been there: The Salmon Bookshop & Literary Centre.
If I could, I’d attend every book launch, every workshop and every reading of the many, many talented poets Jessie Lendennie has taken under her wing and nurtured then published over the last 30 years.
It’s my dream to give Jessie a hug, browse the shelves and share a cup of team with the Salmon team who produce beautiful poetry books year after year. Now she has the space to offer much-loved second-hand poetry to browse, as well.
Jessie has always been a fierce fan of Irish writing and if there was one available, should get a medal for her consistent and continuous efforts through tough times and good.
Jessie and Siobhan Hutson have made Salmon Publishing one of Ireland’s main literary publishers so it’s only right they should have a new home, large enough to accommodate many poetry-promotion extras.
I regret not being able to attend last Wednesday’s event when three more Salmon published books were officially launched, in Dublin:
This first book is one I recently sent away for and after the first page knew I was a fan of Jo Slade so I would love to have heard her read ‘Time Piece’, particularly.
It’s the sort of writing I completely loose myself in and opens with this line ‘In the wardrobe of my belonging/is a bearskin coat.’ Her words hit me right in the heart.
“The Painter’s House” by Jo Slade
It seems Rita Kelly may also become a new favorite as a “… a love-poet of great lyric power and beauty, but her range is much wider than that. Her startling capacity to transmute brutal experience into universal significance could hardly be better exemplified.” Máire Mhac an tSaoi.
“Further Thoughts in a Garden” by Rita Kelly
Knute’s ‘Fifty Years: Poems 1957-2007’ has been on my shelf for a while now… so I’m sure I’d enjoy his latest as well.
“Concerned Attentions” by Knute Skinner
For years I’ve been happily gifting Salmon books to family, friends and colleagues – perhaps now I’ve persuaded you to do so, too!
Perth Words... exploring possibilities. 