"This young poet is definitely one to watch."
A new and vibrant voice that reflects our culture and mixes Greek myth with an urgent modern twist
salmacis: becoming not quite a woman
Published by Renard Press
A captivating first collection from a talented young writer that explores gender identity and asexuality. This important work opens up a transparent and inviting discourse about questioning gender and love as it has never appeared before.
As recounted by the Roman poet Ovid, a young nymph, Salmacis, one day spied Hermaphroditus bathing; consumed with passion, she entered the water and, begging the gods to allow them to stay together, the two became one - part man, part woman.
An Eclectic Pagan, for Elizabeth, Ovid's fables are more than fiction and form a framework for exploring identity. Drawing on the rich mythological history associated with the tale of Salmacis and Hermaphroditus, and re-examining the tale through the lens of metaphor, salmacis: becoming not quite a woman is a stirringly relatable and powerful exploration of gender, love and identity.
this is my lake salmacis, and i am the wild nymph
with a hollow in her belly and nothing between her legs
Elizabeth's poems have been shortlisted for the Stratford Young Poets Competition 2021, Wells Festival of Literature Young Poet award 2021, Erbacce Prize for Poetry 2021, and the Canterbury Festival Poet of the Year 2021.
salmacis: becoming not quite a woman is essential, identifiable reading for anyone grappling with the concept of gender or love.
PUBLISHED ON 31ST AUGUST 2022.
Reviews of salmacis
Deep Cuts 2022: Our Poetry Picks of the Year
"I found myself nodding along 'yes yes yes' as I tore through these poems."
"Such a devourable collection of poems."
Definitely a collection I will be coming back to with regularity
"Lyrical, yet powerful, with visceral imagery that can evoke strong emotion in the reader."
It has actually given me a sense of rhythm and peace and I will return to this collection again.
"A slim yet unforgettable volume of poetry with such an impact."
Train-Brown’s writing is fiercely individual, exploring topics like gender, identity and, of course, love; the latter is a recurring theme, with all its obsessions and intensities.
"Powerful and well-written."
You can see Elizabeth’s passion, love and knowledge of Ovid’s fables.
"Comedic and horrific, but beautifully observed."
All of [these poems] stand up to repeated readings.
"I read it back to back several times."
Train-Brown's collection challenges all conformance to gender, and indeed, conformance to being human; we often fail to recognise ourselves as transcendent beings within the cycle of nature, the cosmos, and how this is depicted in history and mythology.
"Gritty and unforgiving: An exciting new voice in the world of poetry!"
Unlike many poets who explore retellings, [salmacis] gives a modern and timely exploration on the same themes.
"Vital for society today."
This is one of those books that should be on the school’s curriculum.
"Clever, witty, raw."
Not since Carol Ann Duffy's The Worlds Wife have I been so absorbed and captivated by a poetry collection.
"I’ve read this volume over several times and on each reading have gained a new favourite."
Elizabeth Train-Brown is being and shouting loudly about it. I hope that they continue to produce such engaging work.
"Train-Brown’s imagery is so strong and provoking that I could literally feel it in my body."
My favourite poem from the collection, ‘chasing my therapist to a rave in the woods’, I couldn’t help but laugh at.
"Some of the words hit the reader right between the eyes with their darkness."
One of those books that I keep picking up, enjoying different poems on different days.
"A dazzling new writer of poetry."
She holds nothing back in her poetry; it is tantalising and unique. I am already looking forward to what comes next.
"From divine to demonic."
A beautifully lyrical debut poetry collection with real power in its pages.
"I can guarantee you won’t be left unmoved or unaffected!"
Salmacis is challenging, thought-provoking and elusive.
