Slovakia in Poems - by Eleni Cay (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

This bilingual anthology is conceived to epitomise the open spirit, hospitality and generosity of a small country in the global world. From the idiosyncrasy of the Slovak village, through stunning castles, spectacular mountains and a cosmopolitan capital city, the poems celebrate the richness and raw quality of the Slovakian people and landscape. English poems of leading contemporary British poets are presented side by side with their Slovak translations, showcasing the poets' personal recollections and observations concerning Slovakia and the wider society. A set of full-colour photographs complements the words and reflect the country's unique character, away from clichéd representations. The book is an artwork and invitation for readers to experience this beautiful country with all their senses, in an authentic, personal way.

Review Quotes

Sensitivity, alertness to tone, resourcefulness with words, sounds and images: Eleni Cay uses her remarkable gifts to translate this collection of travellers' poems about Slovakia. I like those that are more about learning than teaching: say, Mark Neil on unanticipated good fortune, or Christina Thatcher hearing the story of Christmas carp. There is more to Slovak culture than political triumphs (whether February 1948 or November 1989) can define; for Milan Rúfus, his country's greatest recent poet, this was the essential point. Sometimes (for example, when Cahal Dallat thinks of a small red mother and child as living through times and systems), one may find that insight here.

John Minahane, translator of The Bloody Sonnets by Pavol Országh Hviezdoslav

Slovakia in Poems can be your very personal "travel diary" leading you through magical daily moments that can only happen in Slovakia. The scent of a strong morning coffee, the touch of a fresh mountain breeze on your cheeks, the feeling of lost in translation in a strange city, getting back to the roots, land and its people, blood and soil - this remarkable collection has it all. You will find it in its verses or hidden between the lines, and when you finish reading, you will feel more intimacy with this tiny country and with yourself. Perhaps you will feel an urge to write your own verses. Open this book together with your heart, turn the page and sink into it.

Barbora V. Daxner, Slovak journalist, translator and writer

Like gazing into a kaleidoscope, seeing shapes align and join, reading these poems delights and entrances as feelings and thoughts from each begin to resonate one with another, and images of Slovakia begin to emerge and meld. Unclear at first, but as one reaches the end, it's as if one has had a magic journey, led by the poets, to a tapestry embroidered with richly coloured scenes, capturing multiple views, alive with the impress of the country. Something beyond the words, as poetry does so well, almost a taste and smell of a unique and beguiling place.

John Oates, Professor Emeritus The Open University

This anthology evokes two feelings in me - love for my homeland and at the same time love for poetry. However, these poems, written in modern language, do not only deal with traditional themes such as the celebration of the beauty of nature. The authors also notice objects that may be insignificant at first glance, and yet are so characteristic of Slovakia - fields full of poppy flowers, sweet pastry rolls or a love story in Banská Stiavnica, the city where there is a museum dedicated to the longest love poem. And these are the unique finds that will spark curiosity in readers and inspire them to visit this still not very well-known small country and feel it with all their senses.

Ingrid Zalneva, Editor-in-chief of the 'Pohlady' magazine for Slovaks living in Austria