Phil Fletcher-Stokes’ Dying of Lassitude and Ennui is a striking collection of prose poems that confronts a multitude of personal and political themes with unflinching bluntness. This hard-hitting compilation captures the zeitgeist of our contemporary world, touching on topics as diverse as Putin, Ukraine, COVID-19, and Blanche Monnier.

The poems offer a vivid snapshot of current times and culture, characterized by an immediate and pervasive bitterness. Fletcher-Stokes’ personal struggles—microphthalmia, mental illnesses, loneliness, and decades of marginalization—resonate deeply through his work. His exclusion from the mainstream poetry scene and the limited success with his written word have profoundly shaped his voice. Particularly poignant is ’60 Years of Loneliness,’ a piece that elicits both laughter and deep sympathy for the poet. At first glance, the collection may seem dominated by bitterness and complaints, with a directness that eschews conventional stylistic flourishes. However, a more thoughtful engagement reveals the richness of Fletcher-Stokes’ reflections on a broad array of subjects. His candid musings range from critiques of Louise Glück and political correctness to contemplations on public infrastructure, lost love, failure, and his own isolation. Fletcher-Stokes’ life as a ‘keyboard warrior’ is neither romanticized nor trivialized. His experiences are presented plainly, encapsulating his belief in being ‘cursed’ and pursued by ‘evil entities.’ This raw, unembellished portrayal adds to the authenticity and gravity of his work.

The poet’s unfiltered narrative and at times graphic descriptions impart a raw power to his poems. His strong opinions, backed by 77 years of a profoundly lonely life, lend immense weight to his reflections. Dying of Lassitude and Ennui is dark, sad, twisted, wry, and intensely real, making it a compelling and truthful reflection of the times we live in.

Pages: 237 | ASIN : B0CVNGTCBK