I actually loved this collection and have reread it two times since. It speaks to me on so many different levels. Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for a chance to read this book.

A career spanning gathering of poems spanning 25 years, this collection is perfect for readers who enjoy poetry that combines rich imagery, cultural depth, and a touch of humor. Whether you’re a longtime admirer or a first-time reader, this book offers a wonderful introduction to Stannard’s unique and memorable voice. The central focus is Stannard's time in Italy with his descriptions of beauty, but through this I found difficulty finding a message within it all, and unfortunately with that it struggled to hold my attention.

I really enjoyed reading this selection of poems from an author I hadn't read anything from before. They captured me early on and threw me into another state of mind with every one of them. I enjoyed reading poems from different collections so that I had a great mix of very contemporary themes and those that I liked or even dreaded to remember. Of course, poetry is very subjective so not every single one spoke to me the same but I remember enjoying a fair share for different reasons.

New and Selected Poems by Julian Stannard is a witty, engaging poetry collection that spans 25 years of his career. His style, which is the perfect balance between sarcasm and sincerity, is deeply appealing and accessible to any reader, not just poetry buffs.

Stannard's primary focus is his time spent in Italy, but the poems also reflect other travels. Each poem is more than a description of beauty, they are all laced with wit and aurate perceptions about the world around us. It takes a special kind of writer to craft an effective 2-sentence poem, and Stannard is one of them.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to explore this collection.cc

Julian Stannard’s New and Selected Poems is a collection that brings together 25 years of his work, offering readers a chance to explore the unique style he’s developed over his career. Inspired by his time in Italy, especially in Genoa, the poems celebrate the beauty of Liguria and its culture while also reflecting on life in modern Britain.

Stannard’s love for Italy shines through in his writing, but he doesn’t just focus on its charm—he balances it with sharp observations about the world we live in. His poems combine humor and insight.
This collection is perfect for readers who enjoy poetry that mixes vivid descriptions, cultural reflections, and a touch of humor. Even if you’re new to his work, this book is a great way to discover Stannard’s unmistakable voice.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to explore this collection.