Sneaking Through the Evening

Olga Costopoulos teaches English at the University of Alberta.

This is Maureen McCarthy’s fourth collection of poems, and it is a
pleasurable one, full of unexpected turns of phrase, wit, and diamond
clarity of vision. Just reading these poems makes you want to invite
this woman to your next party. The poems are filled with fresh imagery,
insight, and a voice that doesn’t take itself too seriously; in other
words, there’s a refreshing absence of pomp here. (No wonder Purdy
likes her work so much.) Part of the appeal is the unexpected, as in the
ending of “Depths:” “We should have a horse, possibly a spear, /
Why is everything so difficult?”/ but then, tomorrow comes, fresh as
May, / poke its fat side with a stick / and crocuses spill out.” This
fine collection does Harbour Publishing proud.