John Siddique's bestselling book ‘Recital – An Almanac’ (SALT) has been described by U.S. literary specialist Professor Lauri Ramey as 'one of the most important British poetry books of the last twenty years,’ and as ‘a new national narrative for Britain.’ 'Dr Claire Chambers describes 'Recital' as Siddique’s ‘most astonishing and mature work.’ It is a poetic contemporary to the best work of Updike, Amis, and Faulks; ‘Recital’ seeks to establish the significance of life through daily human experience.
John’s other recent books are: ‘The Prize’ and ‘Poems from a Northern Soul.’ His children’s book ‘Don’t Wear It On Your Head,’ was shortlisted for the CLPE Poetry Award. He has also written a short play for BBC Radio 3, and co-authored the bestselling collection of short stories, ‘Four Fathers.’
His passion for literature sees him drawing on the whole tradition of poetry and working in a range of places where you would not expect to find art such as prisons, schools, and hospitals. Siddique's recent commissions include a poem for the seaside town of Blackpool, a series of portrait poems exploring the immigrant experience in the UK, for Lancaster University, a poem for Bradford Peace Museum and a commission from The Northern School of Contemporary Dance. He is currently commissioned by Manchester Art Gallery. John was The British Council's Writer in Residence at California State University, Los Angeles in 2009.
A passionate and provacative writer Siddique is well known for his captivating readings, and his ability to communicate with all types of audiences to open up the world of poetry and language. John is a judge for the Koestler Awards, and he often works with the Arvon Foundation, British Council, and The Poetry Society, he has been a visiting speaker and lecturer at many institutions and universities around the world.
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John Siddique's writing brims with verve, depth and pathos - The Big Issue
John Siddique's writing is playful and poignant. It explores the complexities of a fragmented world - of sex, family, loss and dream-life - with such clear-eyed, unsentimental candour that I go back to certain poems time and again for another immersion. He's not afraid of writing about love, its pain and rewards, its sudden, shocking forces and darkly funny epiphanies - and his poems demonstrate a generosity and humanity so often lacking in more brittle, defensive writers. - Catherine Smith (Next Generation Poet)
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
The poems in Recital form a literary chronograph for survival, echoing life’s ticking clock while inviting us to stop and observe the moments before they pass. In this irreplaceable collection, he creates a time-line for evaporating memories, observations and sensations, and reveals life’s potential to be a hidden gallery.
Professor L. Ramey - Center for Contemporary Poetry & Poetics California State University, Los Angeles
His knowledge and love of poetry shines through. - Rachel Feldberg - Ilkley Literature Festival
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
John Siddique is one of Britain's most interesting and original poets. He probes the contradictory jumble of contemporary Britain revealing daily heroism and bravery of the urban sprawl that he clearly knows well. - Professor E.R. Horan - Arizona State University
Article about John on Poetry International website
Info on Commissions, Residencies and Festival Readings
Interview by Karen Hooper on John's Commission with The Rainer Charity