Skirrid Hill

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Moving and emotional - Rated
A seemingly simple and understated collection of poems that capture the imagination and play on the emotions. Amazon had a particular personal and poignant meaning and I wonder what experiences provoked such sensitivity in the author. It sums up the feelings exactly. All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable and thought-provoking collection.

Lyrical, intelligent, beautiful - Rated
There's a huge amount to savour and return to in this collection. The poems are beautifully constructed and full of memorable, moving and challenging imagry. The collection has real emotional punch without flash gimmicks, just remarkable craft. Reccomended.

solid type - Rated
I've just acquired Skirrid Hill and I think the poems are exceptional and wonderful. Owen Sheers has a seemingly light touch and simple approach and then the underlying theme hits you. A masterly set of youthful verses. Late Spring, The Farrier, Inheritance, are particular favourites. The cover photo is just right.

safety in numbers - Rated
Some decent workmanlike creative-writing-workshop style poems, but not much that is original or vivid. The poet can turn a decent image or two, and collection's two or three good poems (Mametz Wood and 'The Wake' for instance) manage to say important things without bending your ear. The rest doesn't arrest - phrasing is often pat, situations obvious, themes repetitive. The word for this book is 'safe'. If we are to believe the hype, this is where poetry's at, but there must be genuinely vibrant stuff out there. Here's hoping.