Join us in the bookshop for an evening with Shakeema Edwards to celebrate the launch of her pamphlet, “Recipe for Leaving”, published by Green Bottle Press. Shakeema will be introduced by local poet Milena Williamson.

***Book your free ticket here***

 Shakeema Edwards’ poems explore accidents of birth, the aftermath of death and the scaffolding of a life inbetween. Through poems about her heritage, her relatives’ stories and domestic (and other) skills, Shakeema questions how we make the choices that form us. Antigua and its flora and fauna are lushly described through her memories and family reminiscences – ‘…love is the clash and tang of crushed papaya/nestled between saltfish and choba’ (The Chemistry of Cooking). As she changes countries and chooses what to leave behind, her poems excavate identity and belonging – ‘Take fifteen minutes outside the airport to memorise palm trees/down to their roots, down to the loam./Leave.’ (Packing). A fresh and distinctive new voice, Shakeema Edwards is one to watch.