Palace of Memory: An Elegy

This new prose poetry sequence from Paul Hetherington explores the power of memory and the hauntings of childhood. It takes the reader on a sensuous and richly imagistic journey into expansive ideas of self and identity. It probes and questions the nature of recollection, and how the role of the father and mother may be understood, drawing on a number of existing literary works to create elaborately poetic and deeply satisfying verbal textures. ‘Palace of Memory is consistently rewarding. From the first page it’s apparent how far and concisely this original, relevant and beautiful collection of prose poems will transport the reader—geographically, emotionally, mentally and creatively. Throughout, even nothing is not wasted—erasurism (‘paragraphs of water’), deftly explored through nature, home, family, history and the transience of recollection. Memory, identity, perspective and time are elegantly layered in this wise, unfussy narrative and seamless use of form and detail; their collective responsibility and inconstancy towards life and text reliably seen and understood. A prose poet and collection to watch and read again.’