In A Slant Light

In A Slant LightExplore the captivating world of Cilla McQueen's poetic memoir, where childhood memories mix with poignant reflections of a New Zealand upbringing. 'In A Slant Light' invites you on a journey through the keen observations of one of New Zealand's prominent women poets. Spanning 134 pages, this hardback edition is a treasure trove of heartfelt anecdotes, from playful childhood escapades to her transformative teenage years and the challenges of early

Explore the captivating world of Cilla McQueen's poetic memoir, where childhood memories mix with poignant reflections of a New Zealand upbringing. 'In A Slant Light' invites you on a journey through the keen observations of one of New Zealand's prominent women poets. Spanning 134 pages, this hardback edition is a treasure trove of heartfelt anecdotes, from playful childhood escapades to her transformative teenage years and the challenges of early motherhood in the vibrant 1960s and 70s. McQueen's writing highlights the beauty of everyday life with humor and sincerity, drawing readers into her rich experiences with love, art, and resilience. Each moment is crafted with care—whether recalling the thrill of an X-ray machine at a shoe shop or falling in love with the celebrated artist Ralph Hotere. This memoir is not just for fans of her poetry; it serves as an essential piece for anyone interested in New Zealand's social and artistic landscape. Perfect for those seeking inspiration and connection, this book offers a warm and intimate glimpse into the life of a remarkable literary figure. As part of your journey, enjoy hassle-free shopping from your local NZ store with combined shipping options available. Feel proud knowing you're supporting a business that operates entirely from New Zealand, ensuring no unexpected import charges or customs duties.

CONDITION: Brand New
Dimensions: 165 x 235 mm
Pages: 134
Bind: hardback
Author: Cilla McQueen Publisher: Otago University Press
Publication Date: 13-05-2016

In this absorbing poetic memoir of her early life, Cilla McQueen, one of New Zealand’s major women poets, leads us over the stepping stones of childhood memory, some half submerged, some strong and glinting in the light of her wit: In the large lead shoe X-ray machine at the back of the shoe shop, our skeletal feet appeared at the press of a button. We irradiated ourselves further when the shop assistant wasn’t looking. … I tried the magic trick of pulling the tablecloth out from under our plates of tomato soup. This didn’t work. With humour and openness, clarity and grace, the memoir continues through her teenage years and the excitement and turbulence, the expansion and vulnerability, of university days and early motherhood in the 1960s and 1970s … raising a young child alone, falling in love with Ralph Hotere and witnessing his deeply immersive artistic practice … This account of the life of an extraordinary verbal artist is immensely warm and welcoming: time falls away as we read. The lightness of Cilla’s touch coupled with the grit of her endurance through challenging personal circumstances makes the reader feel privileged to be invited in to the quiet wisdom worn here with both integrity and modesty. From the sweet shocks of her imagery to the joy of recognition of many shared experiences of a New Zealand childhood, this memoir brings a honeyed, sensitive yet utterly resilient voice in our local literature as close as the voice of a good friend. This is a book not only for those who love Cilla McQueen’s poetry, but for anyone fascinated by the social, artistic and literary history of New Zealand.

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