A PORTRAIT OF JOHN SIDDIQUE

John Siddique is the bestselling author of Full Blood, Recital – An Almanac, Poems From A Northern Soul, and The Prize. He is the co-author of the story/memoir Four Fathers.

He has contributed poems, stories, essays and articles to many publications, including Granta, The Guardian, Poetry Review, and The Rialto.

The Prize, published to wide acclaim in 2005, was nominated for the Forward Prize. His children’s book Don’t Wear It On Your Head was shortlisted for the CLPE Poetry Award.

Full Blood is described as 'Technically virtuosic yet direct and sensual,' by The Times Higher Educational, and as 'Bold as love... Each word is to be savoured like a sip of forbidden wine' by Bina Shah in Dawn's Books & Authors. Recital has been called 'One of the most important
British poetry books of the last twenty years' by Lauri Ramey of CSULA. Jackie Kay speaks of Siddique's writing as being 'A brilliant balancing act.' The Times of India calls him 'Rebellious by nature, pure at heart'

Siddique is well known for his captivating readings, and his infectious love of literature. This highly influential writer has worked with The British Council, PEN, The Arvon Foundation, The Poetry Society and London 2012. He is the former British Council Writer-in-Residence at California State University, Los Angeles. He has been awarded the title of Honorary Creative Writing Fellow by Leicester University in recognition of his contribution to literature.

Rebellious by nature, pure at heart - The Times of India

A poet full of surprises and racing energy - Michael Mackmin (The Rialto)

John Siddique's poetry takes the reader on a journey, crossing the border country between love and loss. Interested in exploring opposite worlds and seeming contradictions, his poetry is a brilliant balancing act. - Jackie Kay

John Siddique's writing brims with verve, depth and pathos - The Big Issue

John Siddique is a powerful, arresting and provocative new poetic voice, on the page, and off it. He writes with a rare combination of directness, ease, and authority and transports his audience through a gallery of moods and registers in just as wide a range of forms.  His work is visceral, sensuous, searing, playful, and deeply moving. - Gavin Wallace - Head of Literature - Scottish Arts Council