Slipstream 23 presents work with an urban, contemporary edge. This issue was mostly poetry that has a “spoken-word” vibe but also included three pieces of short fiction and artwork and photography. I liked Johnny Cordova’s prosy but gritty poem, “A Kind of Dance” with these lines: Continue reading “Slipstream – 2003”
NewPages Blog :: Magazine Reviews
Find literary magazine reviews on the NewPages Blog. These reviews include single literary pieces and an issue of a literary magazine as a whole.
The Bitter Oleander – 2003
This well-regarded journal focuses on poetry and fiction that uses “the deep image,” so the work here, as you might expect, focuses less on the narrative thread and more on lyric imagery. The poetry here seems more successful than the short fiction. Take, for instance, the following lines with their trilling sound effects from Silvia Scheibli’s “Monsoon Season:”
Nude Banana Leaves
Scissor-kick light
Across saltillo tiles
or these from Ray Gonzalez’ “Memorize:”
Memorize the ashes from the last century.
Brush the wind off your hair…Sometimes you walk afraid.
Other times, there are moths fluttering in the shadows.
This issue includes an inspiring interview, as well as poetry and memoir-excerpts from Carol Dine. I also liked the translations of Eunice Odio’s work. To really appreciate the work here, I would recommend reading this beautifully-produced and generously-sized issue in small doses; otherwise, the images and language in the poetry tend to run together, and you’ll miss out on the delicate texture of the collection.
[The Bitter Oleander Press, 4983 Tall Oaks Drive, Fayetteville, New York 13066-9776. Email: [email protected]. Single issue $8.00. www.bitteroleander.com/issues.html]
The Threepenny Review – Summer 2003
The contributors of this highly-regarded publication hail from all over the world, but the sensibility is very much of its place of origin, Berkeley, CA. The sense of place and identity are pervasive. Continue reading “The Threepenny Review – Summer 2003”
Conjunctions – Spring 2003
Featured authors in this collection include Anton Chekov, Joyce Carol Oates, Robert Creeley and Rick Moody. The works are diverse and powerful. Continue reading “Conjunctions – Spring 2003”