In the shape of his hand lay a river is Iona Winter’s fourth book, and part of a body of work written after her son, prolific musician, Reuben Winter took his life.
Here, through a poetic lens, she asks unanswerable questions, embodying a multiplicity of emotions, and we are called to look at the ineffable absence of a beloved child. Winter’s poetry and incantations weave through bodies of water, while speaking to the coexistence of pain and love.
Iona Winter’s work around suicide bereavement and grief is powerful, honest and fearless. In the shape of his hand lay a river aims to challenge perceptions of suicide bereavement, and with an unashamed voice lend words to those who are unable to find them.
In the shape of his hand lay a river is available as a limited edition only, and will be launched by Michelle Elvy, with guests Vaughan Rapatahana and Rushi Vyas, on Saturday 30th March at 11am via Zoom.
ADVANCE PRAISE
In the shape of his hand lay a river emerges from a practice of living that speaks impossible truth. Laced with beauty and an urgency to change our culture, Iona Winter’s words compel me to listen to the dead, and the living. ~ Rushi Vyas, author of When I Reach for Your Pulse
Ī tēnei pukapuka māia ka whakahoki mai i te hunga mate, ā, ka ora anō te tama. He memene mā ngā roimata. ~ Vaughan Rapatahana, author of mō taku tama
These poems bring us a rhythm in living with loss; the reader is carried along the flowing awa, through torrents, confluences and tributaries. ~ Michelle Elvy, author of the everrumble
Iona Winter perfectly captures the pain and confusion that is grief. I often felt like these poems were speaking directly to my personal experience. Can’t recommend this book highly enough. ~ Dominic Hoey, author of Poor People With Money
MORE INFORMATION
In the shape of his hand lay a river (Limited Edition)
ISBN: 978-0-473-68225-5 $25 RRP
Available for Pre-Order now at: books-elixirandstar@proton.me
Available from 30th March 2024
Review Copies: PDF Only
Tracked courier (within New Zealand) $8
Overseas Post Australia begins at $15, UK, USA & Europe begins at $30
Iona Winter 
Leave a comment