How To Make Curry Goat

"In these delicately observed poems, Louise McStravick explores the landscape of her heritage and identity; painting an incisive and affectionate portrait of the people she has encountered along the way. These poems are vivid, sensual and rich in imagery and they pull no punches. Whilst each poem is a delicious treat in its own right, collectively they constitute a brave and important story, beautifully and boldly told. This is a recipe book for the soul and the senses and the poems will linger with you long after the book has been returned to the shelf." -Mary Dickins, Author of Happiness FM, Burning Eye Books

Extract:

How to make curry goat

Take around 7 quid's worth of goat

Or mutton dem di same ting

A spring of thyme, two large onions, three if you're that way inclined

Not di Spanish h'onion di British h'onion.

A bulb of garlic. All-purpose seasoning and Caribbean Curry Powder

It nah matter which curry powder you fi use. 

Using eyes to measure, one-part All Purpose to two-part curry powder

Be careful with the All Purpose. You nah want too much salt. 

Sprinkle it over the meat in a zig-zag motion get your hands in until you 

have an even coating. Be sure to have washed the meat first. 

British people nah wash dem meat, it nasty, that's how dem get mad cow disease. 

"Louise McStravick invites us into her world as a daughter of the Windrush generation, with a sharp observation and a dry sense of humour. We meet family, friends and errant lovers in poems of wit and sensuality, and in McStravick's vivid imagery and often surprising language we learn to smell, taste and enjoy this Goat Stew as she explores the feelings of belonging and alienation that beset her. A wonderful first collection." - Janice Dempsey from Dempsey & Windle Publishing

"How to Make Curry Goat is a lively and warm-hearted exploration of identity, appetite, love and loss. These poems are frank, funny and richly sensory; Louise McStravick is an acute observer of the world around her."

- Dr Megan Hayes, Lecturer in Creative Writing, Teeside University