P. J. Kavanagh was a poet, prose writer, and columnist whose work explores human connections and the search for meaning in the everyday. His poetry, often described as substitute poems, is characterized by keen observation and a reflective tone. Kavanagh's engagement with diverse art forms and travel experiences informs his prose, weaving personal history with broader cultural and historical contexts. His writing excels at finding profound truths in ordinary moments, offering readers both solace and contemplation.
The sympathies of Vaughan and Traherne, the earth-love of Edward Thomas, the wit of Louis MacNeice, are three of the many currents that run through the verse of P.J. Kavanagh. Seven collections are included in this volume, which traces the poet through 35 years.
Written with a poet's precision, The Perfect Stranger is a funny, absorbing and brilliantly portrayed rite of passage. Driving the narrator is a desire to recount the effect of a singular young woman; the love of her and the loss of her.
The narrative chronicles the diverse and tumultuous early life of poet P.J. Kavanagh, spanning various locations from a holiday camp to international cities and a battlefield. His journey appears disjointed until a transformative encounter with Sally, described as 'the perfect stranger,' brings clarity and significance to his experiences. This meeting serves as a pivotal moment, reshaping his understanding of his past and guiding him towards a deeper connection with life.
Poems chosen by listeners to Poetry Please - ballards, satires, songs or prayers - for every mood and taste.