The Book Band

“[The poet’s] mixing of Italian and Shakespearean rhyming schemes gives the poems fresh appeal. ... the collection’s greatest strength – an unexpected, extended narrative. With its narrative, character and plot development, exceptional use of language and form, this poetry collection exemplifies the very essence of substance. It has something for every taste.” – Gaiyle J. Connolly, Hamilton poet and artist [full review here]

“As befits the Donne/Eliot approach, unrequited (or rarely requited) love is an invitation to inwardly-reflective thinking on the topic of love … Down’s expressions of love sometimes parallel Donne’s in starting from a simple statement or question and then elaborating on it in more technical or complex terms … Sonnets for Sahara Nights contains much to engage the reader. More than most sonnet sequences, the sixty-five poems of this book tend to reflect on, and amplify, aspects of the others. I recommend it both to enthusiastic readers of poetry, and to enthusiastic believers in romantic love, even if unrequited …” – Kevin McCabe, Ph.D.

What people are saying about this book:

"What an original mind! Intelligence and eroticism, a rare combination. Just to single out a couple (of poems): Across the Years, Heaven Must Be An Ocean." – Jill Downie, award-winning author of the Moretti & Falla mysteries

The author was part of the program for Hamilton's Lit Live online reading series on Sunday, October 4th.