RENDANG

This debut poetry collection offers a profound exploration of identity, culture, and memory. RENDANG invites readers on a unique journey through contemporary landscapes.

In RENDANG, a remarkable debut collection by Will Harris, the author delves into the intricate tapestry of race, culture, memory, and identity. This collection serves as a reflection on contemporary issues, showcasing Harris's ability to weave personal narratives with broader societal themes. The work has garnered significant acclaim, winning the Felix Dennis Prize for Best First Collection and earning a spot on the shortlist for the T.S. Eliot Prize for Poetry in 2020.

The poetic journey in RENDANG is both radical and surreal, transporting readers from the lush landscapes of West Sumatra to the imaginative realms of Planet Mongo, with stops along Gray's Inn Road. Harris employs vivid imagery and complex language to explore Indonesian artifacts, gentrification, and the essence of citizenry. Each poem acts as a lens through which the reader can examine the multifaceted nature of identity in today's world.

Through a playful yet masterful command of form, Will Harris creates a body of work that resonates deeply with the ambivalences and challenges of contemporary life. RENDANG is not merely a collection of poems; it is an urgent commentary on what it means to exist in a world rich with history, culture, and the myriad experiences that shape who we are. This collection is a love letter to the places and memories that define us, inviting readers to reflect on their own identities and connections to the world around them.