The Magic Border
Author: Arlo Parks
Published by: 4th Estate
Pages: 66
Format: Hardback
My Rating: ★★★★
Published by: 4th Estate
Pages: 66
Format: Hardback
My Rating: ★★★★
‘Poetry was my place, my little clearing in the forest, where I could quietly put everything I was holding. I’m not sure what gave me the courage to open up that space to you, but here I am, doing it. I am proud to show you this personal lens that life shimmers through. This book is no longer mine. It is yours.’
The Magic Border is the debut book from Mercury Prize-winning musician and poet Arlo Parks, combining never-before-seen poetry, song lyrics and beautiful, intimate images from collaborator and photographer Daniyel Lowden.
The Magic Border allows readers rare insight into her creative process and beautifully showcases the full breadth of Arlo’s singular artistry.
The Magic Border is the debut book from Mercury Prize-winning musician and poet Arlo Parks, combining never-before-seen poetry, song lyrics and beautiful, intimate images from collaborator and photographer Daniyel Lowden.
The Magic Border allows readers rare insight into her creative process and beautifully showcases the full breadth of Arlo’s singular artistry.
My thoughts:
A short and enjoyable read with some standout lines, The Magic Border is Arlo Parks’ debut book of poetry and a world-building companion to her recent album My Soft Machine.
First and foremost, I’m biased, because I think Arlo Parks is great. But whilst this collection does feel designed for readers who are already fans of her music, the writing will feel relatable to many as readers are offered exploration of the queer experience, blackness, grief, trauma, and love through Arlo’s eyes. These themes are expressed as a mixture of song lyrics, poetry, and photography throughout the book. Parks' signature tender lyricism shines through and I enjoyed all the moments of insight into her creative process.
If anything, especially with the pricing of this in mind, I only wish it had been a bit longer. I read most of the book at a local coffee shop, popping my headphones in and listening to songs from the album when the pages called for it, which added something unique and extra special to the reading experience. It was interesting to be able to see the beauty of the world through her words for a little while.
Photographer Daniyel Lowden’s images are featured throughout, providing moments which feel intimate and understated alongside the warmth of Arlo’s poetry and lyrics. Her work has an uncommon degree of sensitivity and there’s plenty to consider, decode and reflect on within the pages of The Magic Border. I know, over time, I will revisit this collection again and again.
Overall reaction:
A short and enjoyable read with some standout lines, The Magic Border is Arlo Parks’ debut book of poetry and a world-building companion to her recent album My Soft Machine.
First and foremost, I’m biased, because I think Arlo Parks is great. But whilst this collection does feel designed for readers who are already fans of her music, the writing will feel relatable to many as readers are offered exploration of the queer experience, blackness, grief, trauma, and love through Arlo’s eyes. These themes are expressed as a mixture of song lyrics, poetry, and photography throughout the book. Parks' signature tender lyricism shines through and I enjoyed all the moments of insight into her creative process.
If anything, especially with the pricing of this in mind, I only wish it had been a bit longer. I read most of the book at a local coffee shop, popping my headphones in and listening to songs from the album when the pages called for it, which added something unique and extra special to the reading experience. It was interesting to be able to see the beauty of the world through her words for a little while.
Photographer Daniyel Lowden’s images are featured throughout, providing moments which feel intimate and understated alongside the warmth of Arlo’s poetry and lyrics. Her work has an uncommon degree of sensitivity and there’s plenty to consider, decode and reflect on within the pages of The Magic Border. I know, over time, I will revisit this collection again and again.
Overall reaction: