Language Of Souls
(ISBN 1-894368-002)
Review of Language Of Souls from Poetry Now, written by Anne Macmillan.
"Every now and again a book comes your way that you know is special. How you know is almost mystical. It's not necessarily the cover or the smell (very important). It might be the feel of the book or it could be the love that has gone into the production. Whatever it is Language of Souls has it, and that was before I opened the pages, read the poems and studied the illustrations.
Language of Souls is the result of the collaboration of three poets and artist and a daring publisher. The poets are Ruth Solomon, k. t. Frankovich, and our own David Taub. Each of the poets has contributed their thoughts on such topics as 'Dreams and Time', 'Life and Retrospection', and 'Intimacy and Spiritual Dimensions'.
I began to read the book with great anticipation and very soon I found myself existing in a dreamscape. Don't misunderstand me, these poems can be very hard hitting and realistic, but the language and imagery take you out of the ordinary day to day and transport you to an inner world, quite literally the world of the soul.
Each poet has a distinct voice and particular pre-occupations, yet they harmonise beautifully. The artist Freydoon Rassouli, has created a series of images that draw you deep inside them. They compliment the words as well as William Blake did with his earth shattering etchings. I was tempted to remove several of them and hang them over my desk, such is the power they exude.
Last but by no means least, the brave publisher Roman Bandi. This man experienced the quality of the writing and the drawings and put every effort into producing a book that matches the content. Poetry is not the easiest market to succeed in, but he is determined to succeed.
The book has been entered for both the Benjamin Franklin and Pulitzer Prizes, two of the most prestigious prizes in the world. If you only buy one poetry book this year let it be Language of Souls. I would defy anyone to pass this book by."
Review courtsey of Poetry Now, one of the UK's largest poetry magazines.
