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The Magic Border

By Arlo Parks
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Magic Border is the debut book from Mercury Prize-winning musician and poet Arlo Parks, blending twenty original poems with exclusive artist statements and the full lyrics from her album My Soft Machine. Through intimate images by photographer Daniyel Lowden, it offers an evocative exploration of the queer experience, blackness, grief, trauma and love, presented through the unique creative lens of this remarkable artist.
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Format: Hardback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This collection will resonate deeply with readers interested in contemporary poetry, the intersections of music and verse, and explorations of identity, queerness, grief and love through a vibrant artistic voice.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

‘An embrace of a book’ Florence Welch

‘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.’

the new 2023 debut poetry collection from prize-winning musician Arlo Parks

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

An embrace of a book – Florence Welch

‘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.’

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, photographer Daniyel Lowden.

Featuring twenty original poems, alongside an exclusive artist’s statement and the complete lyrics from her sophomore album My Soft Machine, this vital collection explores the queer experience, blackness, grief, trauma and love through the eyes of the remarkable young musician.

The Magic Border allows readers rare insight into her creative process and beautifully showcases the full breadth of Arlo’s singular artistry.

‘Arlo Parks pulls beauty around her as a war tactic, and she shares the spoils with us’ – Katie Gavin, MUNA

‘There’s as much music in Arlo’s poetry as there is poetry in her music’ – Lucy Dacus

‘Wonderful, full of intoxicating beauty and tenderness. This is a collection to savour’ – Irenosen Okojie, author of Nudibranch

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

‘The most tender and tactile collection. Arlo Parks writes poetry you can taste … An embrace of a book’ Florence Welch

‘Arlo Parks pulls beauty around her as a war tactic, and she shares the spoils with us. I am grateful and invigorated’ Katie Gavin, MUNA

‘There’s as much music in Arlo’s poetry as there is poetry in her music’, with warmth, eloquence and softness that captures fierce love and noticing for life and loved ones.

‘Dream-like, song-like, these poems pierce us with direct emotion and seductive rhythms. The Magic Border is sexy and startling; these songs penetrate the heart’ Richie Hofmann

‘Wonderful, full of intoxicating beauty and tenderness. This is a collection to savour’ Irenosen Okojie

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780008646707

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 14 September 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Fourth Estate Ltd

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 14.0mm

Width: 159.0mm

Height: 203.0mm

Weight: 340g

Pages: 80

Collections

Arlo Parks Arts & Culture LGBTQ+ Music & Musicians Non-Fiction Photography Books Poetry

About the Author

Arlo Parks is a British-born singer, songwriter and poet. Her debut album Collapsed in Sunbeams was widely acclaimed, earning her the 2021 Mercury Prize as well as Grammy nominations for Best New Artist and Best Alternative Music Album. Her sophomore album My Soft Machine cements her as one of the most compelling voices of her generation. The Magic Border is her debut book.

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