19 Women

Whether dealing with Greek gods kings politicians terrorists or capitalists 19 Women explores the ability and power to take by force that which is desired. Man 'treats the world like firewood' and insists 'I will have what I came for'. Violence and greed are softened by moments of jewelled beauty where 'all your lovers’ hearts are garnets strewn' and 'emeralds are embedded in walls like […] eyes'. Peter Clive’s collection asks the reader to look unflinchingly at patriarchy. (Morag Anderson 2023 Aryamati Pamphlet Winner) A book like nothing I have read before. A book about women but not in the way one might imagine. It features goddesses and real people ekphrastic poetry and poetry prompted by newspaper headlines. A true celebration of women. (Fin Hall poet producer filmmaker performer) Real things and things of the mind: all dealt with via a trenchant tender voice that ought to strike a chord with anyone accustomed to the joys of poetry. (Professor Gerard Carruthers FRSE Francis Hutcheson Chair of Scottish Literature University of Glasgow)