Trethewey Press - The Collected Poetry of Joy French

Her three self-published poetry volumes, originally available via Amazon, are generally unavailable nowadays. I felt it would be a fitting way to mark the 30th anniversary in 2024 of her first book, "Notes & Queries", by collating all three collections into a single compilation for all to enjoy.

I rarely wrote any poetry myself; my mother was definitely the main talent in that regard in our family (although I recall my brother Patrick won a poetry award at university). The main time I had any poetic inspiration myself was after Joy's funeral in June 2007. A few lines poured out of me, unplanned, unexpected and fully formed, about that life-changing experience. I didn't claim it to be anything like the quality of her standard, but I sensed a certain similarity in style - as if the wordsmith was sending me a final message.

For me, these volumes of her verses capture and summarise my impression of her life in Devon during the 1990s, the first decade she and my father Arthur spent there after retirement to the West country. I treasure the original copies which she signed for me, and hope this new collection reaches and inspires others.

Dan French
>When I read these poems again I am struck by Joy's lifelong faith, her endurance, her wit, and the breadth of her reference. She often borrows from other people's poetry - such as Eliot, one of her favourites - as well as the many references to Christian themes. And every time it fits perfectly in her own work; it's as if she brings new life to it.

The love of poetry is one thing I have inherited from her, which I am extremely glad of. I have written poems, songs and what I call ditties all my life - not many published yet, but watch this space! I studied the great poets of the past when I was at university, and Joy's persistent iambic rhythm, like a heartbeat, echoes and resonates with much that I learnt to love there.

Another thing I admire very much about Joy's poetry is the way she develops an idea so concisely into a reflection, often on her own life, or on life in general, with the minimum of words and allusions. There's truth in the words, and truth is always complex; and yet, a poem can convey it with a few words, a hint or two will do it, in between the words.

Patrick French