I was very touched to read this new review of Shadows and Birdsong on Goodreads. Andrew Frank — who describes himself as “not a great follower of poetry” — found the book while sitting alone in a pub, and connected deeply with several poems.

He writes about:

• “Umbrella” — a chance encounter that might have become something meaningful
• “A Blackbird Sings” — which he reads as the pain of a long‑lost lover
• “The Lady Behind the Bar” — a moment of emotional contrast between someone moving forward and someone feeling stuck

He ends with a gentle invitation: he’s still sitting in the bar with a copy, happy to discuss the poems further.

You can read his full review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8934320938