Lisa Samuels Book order

Exploring the interplay between digital capture and bodily experiences, the poetry in Livestream engages with themes of fluidity and ethical boundaries. The poems reflect on how language shapes our existence and perceptions, creating an ecological relationship with the reader. Accompanying photographs serve as resonators and witnesses, enhancing the emotional and thematic depth of the work. This collection invites readers to consider the connections between language, sensation, and the world around us.

A stunning new book of poetry from Lisa Samuels, written in response to the pandemic; Lisa is a renowned transnational poet, essayist, and sound artist who has lived in the United States, Sweden, Israel/Palestine, Yemen, Malaysia, Spain, and, since 2006, in New Zealand.

The narrative embarks on a journey through a vivid dream, initiated by a striking vision of a train door opening. This exploration intertwines sensory experiences with deep reflections, using the sonnet as a foundational element. The work harmonizes mechanical imagery with natural landscapes, creating a rich tapestry of sound and emotion that captures the interplay between chaos and tranquility.

The narrative introduces a unique character, a daughter born from the surreal union of a hero and a female shark, inspired by Lautréamont's work. This visceral reinterpretation of the Little Mermaid embarks on a journey from the ocean to land, exploring complex themes of speech, sexuality, law, violence, and art. The protagonist's quest challenges traditional boundaries and delves into the intricate relationships between identity and societal constructs.

Exploring the interplay between love and political themes, this poetry challenges conventional perceptions and redefines reality. It serves as a catalyst for emotional and intellectual engagement, creating a unique auditory experience that resonates with relational dynamics. Through innovative language and structure, the poems act as mechanisms for connection, inviting readers to reconsider their understanding of facts and cultural norms.

Exploring the intricate relationship between gender and urban identity, the narrative delves into how societal constructs manifest in language, law, and personal experiences. It vividly portrays a city where gender is intertwined with physicality and language, reflecting on diverse elements like names, cultural landmarks, and personal encounters. The imagery of skin and tattoos symbolizes deeper meanings, suggesting a fragmented reality where poetry and identity coexist without a central narrative. This thought-provoking work challenges conventional perceptions of gender and space.

Exploring themes of colonialism and memory, the poem follows Eula as she navigates a blend of real and imagined landscapes, encountering both symbolic and unnamed figures. Jack's role adds a layer of complexity, embodying the concept of death. The work's structure features interrupted iambic rhythm, enhancing its exploration of bodily transit and the interplay between promised lands and historical trauma.

Blending prosodic rhythm with prose syntax, the poems create a dynamic interplay between paper, screen, and musical score. They reflect a unique imaginative vision that engages with the world's realities. These works serve as multifaceted narratives—parallax histories, social dreams, and emotional songs—crafted within spatial structures that invite readers to reconnect with their surroundings. The collection emphasizes the importance of experiencing contemporary life through its layered storytelling.

The poems explore the interplay between emotion and belief, emphasizing how personal experience can be articulated through language. In this collection, individuals are depicted as both the subject and the medium, suggesting that language itself plays an active role in shaping identity and understanding. The work invites readers to consider the transformative power of words and the myriad ways they can convey meaning and connection.