May: an epic poem about youth by Herman Gorter

Translated by M. Kruijff

​⭐​ Publisher Featured Review

​This book is everything poetry should be: beautiful, immersive, symbolic and a joy to the heart. It uses language like a paintbrush.

Gorter is arguably the Netherlands' greatest poet and despite this book being originally published in 1899, it is still the case. It's easy to see why. 

The story is about a girl called May, the daughter of the sun and moon, as she moves through her life, particularly at the bloom of youth. The imagery is tied to the month of May with the vibrancy and newness of the summer season. It reads like a novel but in an elevated style, focusing on all of the senses but mostly sound and song. You can almost hear it, too. 

Tying it altogether is nature and the landscape of flowers. To further enhance the experience are delicate images in the same style as the cover that are truly evocative. Absolutely stunning.

Written in three sections of rhyming couplets. the translation has not taken the feel of the poem away. All credit to M. Kruijff, the translator. A rich, stunning work that should be read by everyone who appreciates language. See also Gorter's  Selected Poems. 

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Published by Arimei Books on  25 May 2021. Originally published in 1889.
​Advanced review copy supplied by the publisher.