James Linnane is a poet and storyteller from Ballivor in County Meath whose writings pay scant regard to what is considered acceptable or to mainstream sensitivities. A candid and often endearing account of a life lived hard, the poems come with a humour and observation that is more than just simple musing. Old as he says is a season in itself and he rails against the inequities and injustice of those who simply don’t care or as he describes as hiding in a land of the dead. The rhyming and pattern of beats here is often excellent and come with a caution that is unforgiving whether he is reflecting on kindness or the madness of war or simply remembering childhood. A soul-searching account of a journey well done but with a price to pay he writes with a passion or play on words that finds inspiration in other texts and is a reminder that times change and don’t sit comfortable. by Frank Murphy, (poet and author)Killmessen, Co. Meath