*Yiewsley* by Daljit Nagra (Faber, £14.99) explores the impact of a real west London suburb as a backdrop for childhood working-class Sikh experiences. As Nagra approaches his 60th birthday, the work reflects on how time influences identity, intertwining memories of the 1960s and 70s, including the profound societal challenges posed by figures like Enoch Powell, alongside nostalgic references such as parkas and cricket.
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*Mer de Glace* by Małgorzata Lebda, translated by Mira Rosenthal (Fitzcarraldo, £12.99), delves into both the physical and emotional landscapes of the Polish river Vistula. The collection, named after a dying French glacier, incorporates themes of nature and vulnerability, using vivid imagery and informal yet profound ecopoetry. Rosenthal's translations capture the essence of the journey through introspective phrases, engaging with the beauty and harshness of the natural world.
*The Intentions of Thunder: New and Selected Poems* by Patricia Smith (Bloodaxe, £14.99) has garnered an American National Book Award for its powerful exploration of Black American experiences. Smith's passionate voice juxtaposes the grotesque and painful with a sensual lyricism, addressing contemporary themes while referencing historical injustices, exemplifying female experience throughout the collection.
*Cherry Blossom at Nightbreak* by Rishi Dastidar (Nine Arches, £11.99) celebrates the energy and vitality of poetry across various themes, from