Readers with fond memories of Newell's long innings as the pop poet of this parish will be delighted to find not just biting satirical verse but lyrical, reflective and personal pieces here – a range as broad and bracing as the East Anglian marshlands he adores. Buffs will tick off echoes (Larkin, Betjeman, Kipling, Auden...) but he's his own – Essex – man, cussed and tender and just a bit mystical, too. Germaine Greer (yes, really) warmly salutes him in her preface. He deserves it.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Bookmark popover
Removed from bookmarks