London Undercurrents is a collaboration by two London-based female poets Joolz Sparkes and Hilaire. This poetry cycle gives a voice to women who often go unheard, or are self-sacrificing in order not to upset the apple cart. There are thousands of women, extraordinary, ordinary, famous or forgotten who have plenty to say and deserve to be heard. The authors want to share the hidden histories of London's unsung heroines that they have uncovered in their neighbourhoods north and south of the river. London Undercurrents shows that the personal is also universal and casts women as the central characters of their own story. The poems form a rich tapestry full of local colour throughout the ages viewed from both sides of the Thames. Some of the poems are free verse, others have a rhyme scheme or a playful layout to emphasize a point and both poets have written contributions to each of the twelve sections of the book. London Undercurrents is one of a kind, fascinating and well researched. It really captures the spirit, image and diversity of London.

About the Author
Joolz Sparkes is a member of the collective, Malika's Poetry Kitchen, has featured at Ledbury Poetry Festival and was poet-in-residence at Leicester Square tube station. Shortlisted for the Bridport Poetry Prize in 2010, she is published in magazines such as Magma, South Bank Poetry, Great Weather for MEDIA, Shooter Literary Magazine and online at Ink Sweat & Tears. Hilaire has several poems published in Emma Press anthologies - Aunts, Age, Mildly Erotic Verse; and in magazines such as Brittle Star, ARTEMISpoetry and South Bank Poetry. She was poet-in-residence at Thrive Battersea in 2017 and is one of three featured poets in Triptych Poets: Issue One from Blemish Books which showcases 18 of her poems.

Reviews
https://www.litro.co.uk/2019/04/book-review-london-undercurrents-by-joolz-sparkes-and-hilaire/;http://www.inksweatandtears.co.uk/pages/?p=19054;https://emmalee1.wordpress.com/2019/02/20/london-undercurrents-joolz-sparkes-and-hilaire-holland-park-press-book-review/;



Book Information
ISBN 9781907320828
Author Joolz Sparkes
Format Paperback
Page Count 152
Imprint Holland Park Press
Publisher Holland Park Press