Bird Is Not a Stone - Softcover

'The tragic story of Palestine continues to stain this new century with its tales of apartheid and injustice. It is no surprise that great art is born out of its suffering and also no surprise that most people in the outer world do not get to hear of it. Therefore this exquisite book of poems must be all the more welcomed - by all those who love art, who would denounce oppression, and who want to read the songs of those living behind the wall.' Emma Thompson, Oscar-winning actor 'A Bird is Not a Stone is a fabulous, landmark collection, an example of poetry's ability to transcend borders, cultures and languages in order to celebrate our shared humanity. These poems resound with both the ephemera of the everyday, and also the tragedies lived beneath an ever-present threat of violence. Not just beautiful, they are important for the voices they give sound to, and their translations by some of these Islands' best poets are vital reminders of what we know, what we forget, and what we have to learn from Palestine.' Carol Ann Duffy, British Poet Laureate 'Angry, celebratory, bawdy and moving, these are poems by fine poets, translated by fine poets. They feel like the first offerings of the Cafavys, Nerudas and Lorcas of today, brought fresh to the modern reader.' Andrew Marr, journalist and political commentator 'This is a beautiful and timely expression of cultural solidarity and internationalism.' Bella Caledonia 'Thanks to publications like A Bird is Not a Stone, the Palestinian song will sing on, and will be heard wherever people care enough to listen.' The Electronic Intifada 'The A Bird is not a Stone collection, edited by Henry Bell and Sarah Irving, isn't afaid to cross the walls between multiple languages' Arab Lit

A major collection of contemporary Palestinian poetry translated by 24 of Scotland's very best writers including Alasdair Gray, Liz Lochhead, James Robertson, Jackie Kay, William Letford, Aonghas MacNeacail, DM Black, Tom Pow, Ron Butlin and John Glenday. A Bird is not a Stone is a unique cultural exchange, giving both English and Arabic readers a unique insight into the political, social and emotional landscape of today's Palestine. Includes both established and emerging Palestinian poets. Foreword by Scotland's Mackar (Poet Laureate) Liz Lochhead.