Description
‘Initially written for the stage, My Dog Has Never Read This, is a prose poetry collection that navigates its use of comedy, absurdism and anthropomorphic characters through a distinct voice that may (or may not) want its reader to be there. Where is there? Not sure. Perhaps at the pub or in a living room with a nice cup of tea. Except it’s not a nice cup of tea, is it? It’s a scared one. Keeps screaming about how the hot water sets off its eczema. It’s upsetting and I want to go home.’ - The dog from the cover
‘M. L. WALSH CREATES A WORLD WHERE WE MIGHT BE ADDRESSED BY A CEREAL MASCOT, A PERSONIFIED TRAFFIC SIGNAL, AN INCREASINGLY AGGRESSIVE ALL CAPS TEXT… IMPECCABLY TIMED, PERFECTLY DEADPAN AND AT TIMES EVEN CHARMINGLY WHIMISICAL.’ - LUKE KENNARD
‘I TURNED EVERY PAGE WITH A BUZZ OF EXCITEMENT FOR WHAT SENSE OF REALITY WAS ABOUT TO BE HILARIOUSLY SHAKEN. THIS IS POETRY, ABSURDISM AND SOCIAL WIT FOR THE PERPLEXING TIMES WE LIVE IN.’ - HOLLY PESTER
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
M.L. WALSH is a performance poet specializing in comedic absurdism and the construction of narrative through voice and characterisation. Her poetic monologues experiment with the translation of poetry from stage to page and how theatrical technique (and its removal) can modify a text.
Since graduating from the University of Birmingham with an MA in Creative Writing, she has headlined numerous venues inside and outside of the city including the Birmingham Glee Club.
Alongside her work in performance poetry, M. L. WALSH has established herself as an events organiser and host, with her co-organised pop-up event: The Big Gay Poetry Night debuting at the Heath Bookshop Literature and Music Festival in April 2024.
My Dog Had Never Read This is her debut ful collection.
