I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author and poet Glen Sorestad shares the reflections on life and the wildlife around us all that readers have come to expect from him in the book “First Light, Last Light.”
The Synopsis
A new book of poetry from Glen Sorestad, one of Canada’s elder literary icons, is cause for celebration.
First Light, Last Light is the first book in six years by Sorestad, who was Saskatchewan’s first poet laureate, serving two terms. As might be expected from a poet now in his 80s, the work in this volume is a mix of reflections on family, memories of youth and friends, and the not-always-pleasant aging process, all viewed with compassion, wisdom and, often, humour.
Sorestad is also a keen observer of the wildlife around him, from the birds who come to the feeder outside his window – damn those bully crows! – to the foxes and other wildlife he and his wife sometimes encounter on their morning walks.
First Light, Last Light is a book to read again and again, and treasure.
The Review
A stunning and compelling collection of poems, this book does a remarkable job of balancing the author’s memories and personal experiences with musings on life and the world around him, including the nature and animal life that make the Canadian region so revered. The straightforward, almost storytelling aspect of the author’s writing style stood out immediately, as if the reader were stepping into the author’s life with them and living through these moments together.
The imagery and themes of this collection are what stood out the most. The emotional themes of grief, memory, and connection are palpable in poems like “My Father’s Voice” and “Don’t Talk to Strangers.” In contrast, poems like “Mid-Winter” captured the cold, chilly, and stark beauty of winter in Canada, and each word felt almost tactile when delivered in the author’s unique voice. The author’s ability to convey these powerful themes through the portrayal of ordinary events, such as missing out on his father’s unique talent or going to the grocery store, highlights how emotion and heart can exist in the smallest of moments —a message that permeates this collection.
The Verdict
Emotional, heartfelt, and memorable, author and poet Glen Sorestad’s “First Light, Last Light” is a must-read poetry collection. The fast-paced collection and the way readers can pick up, put down, and pick back up again showcase the power and depth of these poems, as well as the emotional weight they carry when readers delve into a collection that feels personal and introspective in its own right. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Glen Sorestad is a Canadian poet, born in Vancouver, but living most of his life in Saskatchewan. He has been a teacher of literature and writing, a literary publisher and a writer, best known for his many books of poetry. He has been a recipient of the Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals and is a Life Member of both The League of Canadian Poets and the Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild. He was made a Member of the Order of Canada in 2010. Sorestad loves travel, fishing and is an ardent fan of the Saskatchewan Roughriders football team.
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