A unique and interesting
collection of poems by a famous singer of the sixties, this volume is surprisingly simple and deep
at the same time. Morrison focusses largely on histravels toFrance and Jamaica, while also exploring the musician's
experience on the road. He has a habit of capturing the essence of an idea in a simple and concrete form, not allowing the layers of depth to be peeled off the flesh like removing the skin from an apple. If he had paid more attention to details and metaphor, he could have ended up producing a fascinating, multi-dimensional
collection of poems.
Since Morrison was a storyteller and rock poet of sorts, one would have hoped that his poetry would've reflected his songwriting skills. An intelligent, wildly creative, charismatic dynamic, defiant and problematic figure with a fear of authority and whirlwind lifestyle, he would have had much to ponder in his poetry, but seems to avoid the emotional experience altogether. His poetry is quite compartmentalized that way. However, it is a unique attempt at explaining some of his ideas on art and the creative process. I would recommend this collection of poetry for anyone who would like to see the mask lifted slightly off the soul of a legend.