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Not Even This

Poetry, parenthood and living uncertainly
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( 34 ratings, 6 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In Not Even This by Jack Underwood, the author embarks on a profound exploration of existence and creativity, as inspired by the birth of his child. Blending personal memoir with philosophical inquiry, Underwood contemplates the intricacies of parenthood and the search for meaning in life's fleeting moments. This introspective journey delves into the nature of uncertainty and imagination, offering a fresh perspective on the human experience.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're drawn to poetic reflections on the intertwining of life, death, and parenthood. It may appeal to those who appreciate a deeply personal and lyrical exploration of existential themes, narrated with introspection and emotional honesty.

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In this book-length lyric essay, a father and poet reflects on how the birth of his daughter at a time of global existential crisis inspired him to rediscover the importance of poetry as a form of understanding and living with uncertainty

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

'[A] clever, cosmic, moving and funny parenting physics and poetry adventure . . . It's wonderful' Max Porter via Twitter

'Clear, nimble and dexterous' Ocean Vuong

'It's a magical book. An incantation to be fully present, fully concerned, fully alive' Luke Kennard

In this highly original book-length lyric essay, a father and poet reflects on how his daughter's birth at a time of great global uncertainty inspired him to rediscover with fresh urgency the importance of language as a realm of 'intimacy, overlap, hope and trust'. Poetry can uniquely offer an understanding of the world which brings its complexity within reach—yet does not seek to reduce or explain that complexity away. Poetry is a form through which we might reckon with this uncertain world, learn to inhabit our precarious life more fluently and, in turn, offer what we learn to our children.

From Joan of Arc to the unfathomable gravity of supermassive black holes, from metaphor to quantum mechanics, Not Even This is a moving, thought-provoking work, full of delights. Jack Underwood is open and attentive to the questions that the world and his daughter continue to present: thrilling, terrifying, fundamental.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Not Even This by Jack Underwood is praised for its thoughtful exploration of parenthood, blending themes of art, uncertainty, and the profound mystery of fatherhood. Reviewers commend Underwood's nimble prose and engaging voice, highlighting his ability to convey a journey towards understanding and embracing life's unknowns. The book is described as a magical and moving combination of theoretical concepts and personal reflection, often evoking strong emotional responses.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781472156075

Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 05 May 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Corsair

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 18.0mm

Width: 124.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 160g

Pages: 176

About the Author

Jack Underwood is an award-winning poet, writer and critic. First published as part of the Faber New Poets series in 2009, he is author of two collections of poetry, Happiness (Faber, 2015) and A Year in the New Life (Faber, 2021). He is senior lecturer in creative writing at Goldsmiths College and Not Even This is his debut book of non-fiction.

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