'The book contains twenty five poems, some of which are abstract. What you read is very much associated with modern life in a city. The book concentatrates more on what it is like to struggle, for example, there are two poems about tramps that the narrator sees, one called Tramp no.1, the other called Tramp no.2. Most of the poems have a tone which suggests we all struggle like the tramps. Yet, the book does not take itself seriously and despite the serious, dark content (the poet likes to write about cigarette butts and puddles.)
I would call the book modern just because of the way it is written. It is very straight and to the point and like nothing I have read before. It is also simple, hence it is an easy read and it is nice to look at; the book art illustrations compliment the text well. Being an artist, myself, I like to think about how the artist interprets the poems and, then, I'd ask what the drawings mean themselves. There is a poem called No Turning Point. With this there is a man, in what looks like Star Treck clothing. He is standing in between two huge buildings unsure which way to go. That to me tells me the artist wants the character in No Turning Point to zoom into outer space and have a good look around.
The book does give me ideas. Some of the poems make me laugh but I don't know why.
I'd say the book stands out because it is different. There is one poem in it that I particularily like, which is called 'The Bed'. When I'm sitting around feeling bored I'll go and read it and think about the poet with his two t.v.'s in his bedroom and the 'golden' sky which he sees through his window. The book seems to be a mixture of writing about the sky and urban life.' Ben Thompson, London, England (2003)
Book Description
This is modern poetry. The book has been described as a 'rivoting read'. Contains a selection of poetry by Jason Shelley and book art illustration by Vishal Shah. The book is stocked in bookshops nationwide. The book is punkish and Beckettesque. One book will look different to another in the print publication. The illustratrions are sometimes 'Treky'.
Original Illustrations
There are no prints available for the No Looking Back title. However, the original drawings for the book are available, for more information contact the artist.
