DownloadThe Portobello Bookshop Gift Guide 2024

Two Half Faces

Exploring Identity Through Poetry and Cultural Duality

Mustafa Stitou author David Colmer translator

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Deep Vellum Publishing

Published:14th Jan '21

Should be back in stock very soon

Two Half Faces cover

This collection by Mustafa Stitou explores identity and cultural duality through poetry, showcasing his evolution as an important voice in contemporary literature.

In Two Half Faces, the first English-language collection by Moroccan-Dutch poet Mustafa Stitou, readers are invited into the intricate world of a remarkable voice in contemporary poetry. This collection spans the poet's career, showcasing his unique ability to navigate the complexities of identity and cultural duality. Stitou's work reflects his experiences as he grapples with the realities of his two homelands, weaving together narratives that resonate with both humor and depth. Through his poems, he captures the essence of cultural friction, making the personal universal.

The collection is a vibrant tapestry of emotions, where the everyday intertwines with the surreal, creating a rich landscape of thought-provoking imagery and lyrical expression. Stitou's keen observations illuminate the ambiguities that often accompany cultural identities, revealing the intersections of our inner lives with the external world. Each poem serves as a testament to his evolution as a poet, showcasing his mastery of language and his ability to engage with profound themes.

Two Half Faces not only highlights Stitou's literary prowess but also positions him as a significant figure within his generation. As readers delve into this collection, they will find themselves reflecting on their own identities and the intricate dance between different cultures. Stitou's work invites us to explore the complexities of belonging, making this collection a vital contribution to contemporary poetry.

One of World Literature Today's Notable Translations of 2020

Winner of the VSB Poetry Prize and the Jan Campert Prize

City Poet of Amsterdam 2009

“If the essence of poetry is to break with expectations, Mustafa Stitou is conceivably an ideal poet. “ —Mischa Andriessen, Poetry International

“A pleasure to read and reread. Stitou: a highly interesting young Dutch Poet. Remember that name.” —Peter de Boer, Trouw

“The most important poet of his generation.” —Piet Gebrandy, de Volkskrant

ISBN: 9781646050314

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

220 pages