Splenectomy

Eloise Birtwhistle’s debut pamphlet puts the body and its histories under a scrutinizing lens in a study of our physical and mental agency. This extended poem weaves ancient with modern; clinical with natural; human with non-human; deep sea with air. Using wonder, precision, and a distinct intimacy, Splenectomy renders blood and bile anew.

“From hospital ward to Sulu Sea; from Hippocrates to Joni Mitchell, Splenectomy is a deep dive into what it is to be cared for as a patient and what is required to care for our planet and its peoples. Eloise Birtwhistle is a young poet of considerable potential and remarkable vision.” – John Glenday

“In Splenectomy, language glides as effortlessly as a body into salt waves. Eloise Birtwhistle crafts scenes that glimmer hypnotically from the depths of the sea to the anaesthetic fuzz of a hospital bed. The poems in this pamphlet are expansive and iridescent, full of bright breath and evocative gestures.” – Alycia Pirmohamed