Winner of the 2008 Strong Award for Best First Collection and shortlisted for the Irish Times Poetry Now Award 2008
The Boy in the Ring is the debut collection from a prizewinning author who has already made a considerable reputation through publications and readings. In poems that are provocative, energetic and experimental, though never obscure, The Boy in the Ring explores themes of violence, self-harm and survival, ranging in focus from schoolyard bullying, through adolescent suicide and addiction, to the wars and terrors of the adult world.
It is a rousing collection, sometimes comedic, sometimes disturbing, sometimes despondent, sometimes raging, sometimes ecstatic, full of memorable characters and stories that are sure to touch readers' hearts as well as fire their imaginations.
"Heartstopping lines"
Irish Examiner
"Compelling poetry... immediately engaging with its vivid language, energy and passion"
Theo Dorgan and Paula Meehan, Judges report, Patrick Kavanagh Award 2005
"Roars like an angry staccato of poemfire, reminiscent of old Ginsberg" dublinka.com
"The Boy in the Ring moves Irish poetry forward, looking at modern realities rather than the Platonic ideals many poets are still relying on. Beyond his thematic choices, this collection is worth buying for its craft alone. His poems are built using startling images, expert restraint and energetic lines. They wake you up, shake you, insist you pay attention."
Southword
Dave Lordan was born in Derby, England, in 1975. He grew up in Clonakilty in West Cork. He took an M.A. in English Literature at University College Cork in 1998 and an M.Phil. in Creative writing at Trinity College Dublin in 2001. In 2004 he was awarded an Arts Council bursary. In 2005 he won the Patrick Kavanagh Award for poetry. His work has been published widely and he is a regular and popular performer of his own work. He is an experienced creative writing teacher and workshop leader.
The Boy in the Ring is the debut collection from a prizewinning author who has already made a considerable reputation through publications and readings. In poems that are provocative, energetic and experimental, though never obscure, The Boy in the Ring explores themes of violence, self-harm and survival, ranging in focus from schoolyard bullying, through adolescent suicide and addiction, to the wars and terrors of the adult world.
It is a rousing collection, sometimes comedic, sometimes disturbing, sometimes despondent, sometimes raging, sometimes ecstatic, full of memorable characters and stories that are sure to touch readers' hearts as well as fire their imaginations.
"Heartstopping lines"
Irish Examiner
"Compelling poetry... immediately engaging with its vivid language, energy and passion"
Theo Dorgan and Paula Meehan, Judges report, Patrick Kavanagh Award 2005
"Roars like an angry staccato of poemfire, reminiscent of old Ginsberg" dublinka.com
"The Boy in the Ring moves Irish poetry forward, looking at modern realities rather than the Platonic ideals many poets are still relying on. Beyond his thematic choices, this collection is worth buying for its craft alone. His poems are built using startling images, expert restraint and energetic lines. They wake you up, shake you, insist you pay attention."
Southword
Dave Lordan was born in Derby, England, in 1975. He grew up in Clonakilty in West Cork. He took an M.A. in English Literature at University College Cork in 1998 and an M.Phil. in Creative writing at Trinity College Dublin in 2001. In 2004 he was awarded an Arts Council bursary. In 2005 he won the Patrick Kavanagh Award for poetry. His work has been published widely and he is a regular and popular performer of his own work. He is an experienced creative writing teacher and workshop leader.