A vibrant collection that introduces an Eastern European master to the West.
A volume offers poems by one of Czechoslovakia's literary treasures.
In this new translation of a Czech classic, English speakers get a taste of one of Europe’s most underappreciated verse writers. Nezval was born in Moravia in 1900 and matriculated as a philosophy student, but his early experience with the Prague literary scene converted him to poetry and launched a remarkably prolific career. As Karen von Kunes writes in the foreword, one of the central hopes of Nezval’s school was the creation of a new “art of everyday life” that was “accessible” to the “simple man.” Kostovski’s translation preserves the clarity and simplicity of Nezval’s verse. The poet’s brief “Place du Tertre” is a good example: “My love, perhaps we both shall meet / When finally the world succeeds / To sit together chair to chair / On that one Parisian square.” Yet this seemingly straightforward quatrain yields more nuance the longer readers look. Best of all is the gnomic second line, which could logically attach either to the first—in which case the lovers will meet when the world “succeeds”—or the third, whereby the world prevails in sitting “together chair to chair.” That the meaning of this second rendering is mysterious is in keeping with another of Nezval’s influences: French surrealism. The poet knew luminaries like Breton and Eluard, and some of their enigmatic qualities seep into Nezval’s verse. Breton and Eluard, of course, are both from France, another of their Czech contemporary’s loves. Though this collection ostensibly describes a trip across Europe, the lion’s share is given to Paris. Nezval writes of his arrival there: “You were Medusa when I dreamed about you / Now here I stand, a vagrant in prime / And the smallest bit that you’re able to give / Lulls me to sleep like a drinking man’s wine.” Yet if the City of Light is this intoxicating, so is Nezval’s verse, and readers will hope to get more in English soon. It’s a shame he’s been hidden for so long.
A vibrant collection that introduces an Eastern European master to the West.Pub Date: May 9, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-9960722-5-0
Page Count: 176
Publisher: Plamen Press
Review Posted Online: April 16, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2020
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
Based on the 2005 board book, this Scholastic "Touch and Tilt" app retains the print version's sweetness and soothing tone. Told in simple, declarative rhymes ("I love your fingers / and toes / your ears / and nose"), the story is illustrated by images of a young boy and his adored teddy bear in various situations and emotional states. Adding to the mix, the iPad version features brief animations and sound on each page—one for the boy and one for the teddy bear when each are tapped. There are also animations activated by tilting the iPad clockwise and counter-clockwise, typically making the duo sway to and fro. The tilting animations sometimes get in the way of the touch animations, creating a delayed-reaction effect that may cause some frustration for its target toddler audience. Not every animated illustration works, stylistically; it's doubtful any fans of the book were clamoring to see the gentle bear do a headspin, for instance. But the app features calm narration, tinkling background music and illustrations so soft and fluffy they could be confused for high-thread-count bedding. Even the two-touch/two-tilt animations per page are reassuringly consistent. It's practically a sleeping aid in story app form. That's no knock; it's just fine for parents of restless readers at bedtime. (iPad storybook app. 18 mo.-5)
Pub Date: N/A
ISBN: N/A
Page Count: -
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: Jan. 12, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2011
Boynton’s classic board book, featuring her signature goofy animal characters and repetitive text, translates perfectly to...
Four characters put on a winning fashion show that teaches words and colors to early readers.
Boynton’s classic board book, featuring her signature goofy animal characters and repetitive text, translates perfectly to an interactive format. An endearing cast of color-coordinated characters shows off shirts, shorts, socks and hats with a charming chorus of grunts, squishes and “oops-es!” Mr. Turkey never puts anything on in the right place, providing chuckles for parents and little ones alike. The background music is a simple, plucked melody (reminiscent of an old-fashioned Jack-in-the-Box) and combines well with Billy J. Kramer’s understated narration to enhance the fun of the experience. The photographic background of a suitcase full of clothes frames the white background of the book's pages without distracting from the book itself at center stage. Kids can play with the words and animals on every page and then really go to town on the second-to-last page, where they can “dress” the turkey from a dresser full of clothes. The satisfying ending includes a bounding dive into a cool, blue pool.Pub Date: June 30, 2011
ISBN: N/A
Page Count: -
Publisher: Loud Crow Interactive
Review Posted Online: Aug. 9, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2011
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
© Copyright 2024 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
bookshelf
