|
|
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Live Fast, Die Young, 2 Jan 2005
When is a tragedy not quite such a tragedy? When the death of the author produces a collection of such alarming quality as this. Mary Read, Stone's biographer, introduces to this posthumous selection of enfant terrible Stone's best work, from his early writing until his car crash death at just 21.With a focus on historical figures such as Caligula, many strong motifs seem to run through Jon Stone's work. His fascination with tyrants and displacement, coupled with a dark, sexual humour and subversion, indicate a someone who almost knew that he was going to die young, and that he had better make the most of it and take a sip from every appealing cup along the way. Particular highlights include the wistful "Raggo", the cryptic "Have Mercy" and the yearning "High Swifts." It seems this poet has been influenced by others like Ted Hughes in his love of wildlife, and by a wide range of others one can only guess at. I suspect Leonard Cohen might have snuck in there, too. Overall, a wild and ragged ride through what seems to have been a prolific life lived in bursts of breakneck speed. Stone takes us along with him wherever he goes, pointing out the shapes in the tea leaves before we throw them away. I recommend this collection. Dip into it when you get bored of life and try on Stone's gloves. Just try not to die young. God knows how he'll manage a sequel.
|
