With Some Wild Woman:
Poems 1989–2019
by Jill Gardiner

With Some Wild Woman is a poetic journey through one woman's life which casts an honest and amused eye on growing up gay in a straight world, sharing stories of inspiring people encountered on the way – from uninhibited aunts to Bohemian French writers.

'Jill Gardiner's poetry is tender and touching, dark and exciting. It disrupts the ordinary with new possibilities of love and longing.' – Clare Summerskill

'Starting with bosoms, bras and crushes, With Some Wild Woman explores all aspects of lesbian love… This is a gathering of work over decades and we are privileged to have the long view, the progress of a life. Interspersed with erotic and love poems are childhood's unresolved questions and suspended moments, the demands of caring for parents, deaths, the pleasure of gardens. We move among a generous cast – from a French lover to Violette Leduc and a fearlessly naked aunt – and celebrate female experience, joyously. These poems are memorable, humane and risk-taking.' – Jackie Wills

'Jill Gardiner's vivid poems immerse the reader in place and time. In the company of friends, family and lovers, Gardiner explores connection, loss and the transformative power of art. Unafraid to address either her icons or those close to her, Gardiner's work moves confidently from the world to the heart and back again.' – Allie Rogers

'With Some Wild Woman' is available from 15 November

About the author

Jill Gardiner is the author of From the Closet to the Screen - Women at the Gateways Club 1945-85 (Rivers Oram/Pandora), described by The Observer as 'fascinating and sometimes hilarious'. A former Chair of Brighton Poets, her poems have been published in The North, The Western Mail, The Interpreter's House and Artemis, and won prizes in the Cardiff International and the Kent & Sussex Poetry Society competitions. With Some Wild Woman is her first poetry collection and is being promoted with readings and events.

Buy 'With Some Wild Woman'

In stock from mid November at: Gay's the Word bookshop, 66 Marchmont St, London WC1N 1AB
and City Books, 23 Western Road, Hove BN3 1AF

Alternatively, order from any good bookshop or, for a signed copy, email the author >

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