The year is 2016 and Luke Kennard finds himself estranged from his family, his publisher and his faith.
With the help of his Community Psychiatric Nurse, who claims to be the living embodiment of Cain – the first murderer – the poet changes his name to Father K and searches for answers – in his childhood, in poetry, in alcohol, and in a notorious, long-running DVD box-set.
Tricksy, acerbic and laugh-out-loud funny, Cain is the dazzling new collection from Next Generation Poet Luke Kennard. In a series of animated conversations, Cain provides therapy sessions for the author, covering everything from interfaith dialogue and genealogy to zombies. Cain‘s central sequence of 31 anagram poems re-energises Genesis 4:9-12, demonstrating the mastery of form and trademark surreal humour that has made Kennard one of British poetry’s brightest lights.
Published in a hardback edition with coloured endpapers, two tone interior and ribbon bookmark.
Pre-orders will be delivered for 6 June by first class post.
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Praise for Cain
Endlessly inventive, bruisingly direct, and rich with a desperate, defensive humour. A stunning achievement.
Joe Dunthorne
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Praise for Luke Kennard
A truly 21st century writer, unafraid of barriers and conventions.
Ian McMillan, The Times
Inventive, academically aware, fearless and hugely enjoyable.
Nick Laird, The Telegraph
Kennard’s verse, like Ashbery’s, articulates the fluid half-sense that is part of how we think.
Max Liu, The Independent