Animal People

Animal People is the new collection by the distinguished poet Carol Rumens. Often inspired by and infused with the weathers of various seasons of the year, a strong sense of place also features in most poems, whether it be the dramatic mountain rock-scapes of Snowdonia or the gritty streets of London. The title poem is a ten-page meditation or symphony in varying movements, on the theme of autism and explores what it is to ‘be on the spectrum,’ particularly for a young girl, and what the autistic perspective may mean for individuals and for human destiny. Drawing on personal and family experience, this poem is infused with the author’s characteristic empathy, curiosity and humanity. There is a strong sense of commemoration in this collection, of time passing and of the challenges of mortality, and also a number of brilliant pieces that are influenced by translations or re-readings of classic works of literature.

Carol Rumens was born in Forest Hill, South London. The author of fifteen collections of poems, as well as occasional fiction, drama and translation, Rumens has received the Cholmondeley Award and the Prudence Farmer Prize for her poetry, and was joint recipient of an Alice Hunt Bartlett Award. Her collection, Star Whisper (1983) was shortlisted for the Dylan Thomas Award.