Wonder
by Chris Emery
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Pub Date 3 Nov 2025 | Archive Date 4 Oct 2025
Salt Publishing | Salt
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Description
A collection about time, absence, and belonging
In his fifth collection of poems, Chris Emery explores the nature of wonder in its various forms of awe, reflection, and the marvellous. The poems range from the absurd, to the historical, the comic and fantastical – dropping us into stories and places we never quite expect.
The collection considers where and how we live: in the city, in the country, on the coast, or elsewhere – and the strange lives we endure in often disparate communities, connected to each other through history and nature, and sometimes separated by it.
As with Emery’s previous work, the poems reveal the intimate and fleeting in human experience, and can delve into the mundane, reverie or dreamscape, each lyric serving to illustrate the joy of common experience, all expressed in musical and arresting language that never avoids the freight of emotion.
A Note From the Publisher
Advance Praise
Praise for this Book
‘Chris Emery has an enviable gift, to be able to pack a novel’s worth of action into a few lines, and direct our eye to the moment that matters, the image that impresses, the memory that resonates. These are poems full of quiet, well, wonder.’ —Rishi Dastidar
Praise for Previous Work
‘Emery instinctively knows that language can never be that precise and ambiguity lurks even in seemingly the most transparent utterance. In the best of the poems this ‘fuzziness’ has been harnessed to marvellous effect.’ —James Sutherland-Smith
‘In the transformative effect of real poetry, the nest comes to be seen as a human life lived, ‘sad and gorgeously dented’, but from which the creatures that made it have departed to another place: ‘to drone in apple acres / elsewhere darkening / with sweet ruin now.’ Whether we believe in such a place – and the oxymoronic ‘sweet ruin’ casts a shadowy doubt – is, with writing as good as this, hardly the point, appealing as it does, through vivid imagery, confidently written, to a fundamental human longing for continuation in the face of what we think we know of the end of life.’ —Martyn Crucefix
‘Poetry for contemplation with a strong sense of place.’ —Jackie Law, neverimitate
‘With this collection, as it follows Emery’s own path, it may be that intuitions of spirituality in sacred spaces become the unthinkable that is experienced, shaped and shared.’ —Jonathan Evens, Tears in the Fence
‘Emery is adept at taking unexpected twists and turns, surprising and delighting us as, despite his chosen route, he somehow always leads us back home.’ —Rupert Loydell, International Times
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781784633707 |
| PRICE | £10.99 (GBP) |
| PAGES | 80 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
George T, Reviewer
Emery's writing is accessible yet deeply layered, making this collection appealing to a wide audience—from seasoned poetry enthusiasts to newcomers who are, perhaps, exploring the genre for the first time. The themes of discovery and contemplation are universal, yet Emery's unique voice ensures each poem feels fresh and deeply personal.
He also provides a wonderful sense of place through his writing. There are times when reading, particularly with ‘The Statue’, ‘Home Song’, and 'A Single Ticket to the Imagined City', I could see the locations in my mind; the places seemed so familiar that I felt I might have been there myself. And with the sense of place comes a sense of nostalgia, too. There's something I can't quite pinpoint that whisks me back thirty or forty years.
One of the book’s standout features is its rhythmic and lyrical quality, which enhances the overall reading experience and makes it even more captivating when read aloud. Emery's masterful use of language evokes strong sensory responses, drawing you into an immersive experience. It's a bit like magic.
The collection's overall strength lies in Emery's ability to weave together vivid imagery with profound reflections, creating a tapestry of emotions and intellectual engagement. Each passage acts as a mini meditation, prompting us to pause and consider our perceptions and assumptions about the world and life around us.
Wonder is ultimately a celebration of life's limitless possibilities and the ongoing pursuit of understanding. Emery invites us into a shared journey filled with moments of quiet revelation and profound appreciation for the everyday miracles that often go unnoticed.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this book is a beautifully composed collection that will enrich and inspire—reminding us of the magic found within reflective contemplation and genuine curiosity. It's an essential read for anyone seeking deeper connection and meaning in their literary explorations.
Reviewer 1349546
Emotional and sent my brain on a trip through memory lane. It really made me think about what is really going on in the world, in my world. It was lyrical and open minded but showed emotional maturity. It showed a strong point of view. I will be re reading this when i am in my feels about some choice things for sure. Fantastic poems. Well done.
Ben M, Educator
This collection was missing something. As I was reading, I kept thinking, "this has all the elements of good poetry, without being great." I had little to no connection to any individual piece or the collection as a whole. The more I meditate on my feelings regarding "Wonder," I settle on the opinion that this book may be good for some people, but it was simply not for me. I had hoped that this would be a collection I could pull from for my classroom, but after reading don't see anything that would connect with my students either. I guess I can sum it up to this; the collection showed intentionality and thoughtfulness, but lacked the relatability and connection I was hoping for.
Chantel K, Reviewer
Unfortunately this is another poetry book that just really seems to miss the mark. This book just felt like every other poetry collection out there.
Kristiana R, Reviewer
Emery is clearly an accomplished poet and Wonder is an enjoyable collection to read. I definitely preferred the more personal pieces like 'Bagging Up' and 'Identity', and I definitely felt these were more memorable than perhaps the majority of the collection. But good, enjoyable poetry nonetheless.
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