Poetry. Women's Studies. LONDON UNDERCURRENTS is a collaboration by two London-based female poets Joolz Sparkes and Hilaire. This poetry cycle gives a voice to women who often go unheard, or are self-sacrificing in order not to upset the apple cart. There are thousands of women, extraordinary, ordinary, famous or forgotten who have plenty to say and deserve to be heard. The authors want to share the hidden histories of London's unsung heroines that they have uncovered in their neighbourhoods north and south of the river.
LONDON UNDERCURRENTS shows that the personal is also universal and casts women as the central characters of their own story. The poems form a rich tapestry full of local colour throughout the ages viewed from both sides of the Thames. Some of the poems are free verse, others have a rhyme scheme or a playful layout to emphasize a point and both poets have written contributions to each of the twelve sections of the book. LONDON UNDERCURRENTS is one of a kind, fascinating and well researched. It really captures the spirit, image and diversity of London.