I have been given and have read "Sentenced To Life" by Clive James. More interestingly, last year I read a terrific review comparing James' latest poetry with that of another Australian, Les Murray. Clive came off a clear second best, with reference made to Murray's broader scope and less self absorbed focus.
We all know Clive James is dying. He keeps telling the world. Every further appearance and publication is a "false alarm". I found the anthology a rather uncomfortable confessional from a poet with an elevated sense of his own significance. It rivals Gethsemane for a build up to a death scene. Or Lazarus for restarts.
We all know Clive James is dying. He keeps telling the world. Every further appearance and publication is a "false alarm". I found the anthology a rather uncomfortable confessional from a poet with an elevated sense of his own significance. It rivals Gethsemane for a build up to a death scene. Or Lazarus for restarts.