Haruko/Love Poems: Poetry Discussion Group

Haruko/Love Poems by June Jordan was the January pick for our Hope Is The Thing Poetry subscription box and we so loved the collection we weren't quite ready to let it go - and so we thought we'd host a wee poetry discussion special!

Peach writes "I first discovered June Jordan when Penguin published The Essential June Jordan in 2021, and immediately felt as though I had been cheated. How is it that such an incredible poet had escaped my desperate search for inspirational and revolutionary women poets? Some part of me did of course think it was fate, that she would appear to me at a time of such uncertainty and when fear dominated the globe - a glimmer of hope, of irrepressible grit and wonder. Similarly, that’s how I felt learning that this collection was set to be published in the UK this very month. What better to follow months of worldwide worry, desperation and pain, an autumn and winter of discontent here in the UK, and political attempts to squash bodily autonomy and expressions of joy across the “Western”  world, than love poems? Specifically, these ones.

This collection is split into two parts: Haruko, which follows the ebbs and flows, highs and lows of a passionate love affair with a woman; and Love, which addresses all forms and expressions of love imaginable. I do think good poetry needs little introduction, and with one by Irenosen Okojie, a foreword by Adrienne Rich, and accolades from many of the best writers of this and older generations"

There are endless things to discuss and revel in with these poems, so please join us for a discussion group at the end of February! Please do get yourself a copy and join us for a one off poetry book club, hosted by Peach over zoom! We'll send you the link on the day - see you then!

Use the code TRY-HOPE-POETRY at checkout to get 10% off a copy of the book.