Souls Desire

Soul's Desire is an epic work of ART in every sense of the word! I first encountered Gavin Prinsloo and Red Saunders among the plethora of poetry groups that populate social media. My immediate admiration for their individual creative gifts has only grown in the years since, and is magnified once again by the exceptional quality of "Soul's Desire", their first joint publication. Both native to South Africa, the authors' common background is evident in the bond they share, just as the fractured majesty of their Motherland and its chequered history infuses the book's poetic landscape. "Soul's Desire" is the fourth published collection by Cape Town resident, Gavin Prinsloo (The Soul Whisperer), and his first collaboration with professional photographer, Red Saunders (of Red's Labyrinth Photography). A talented poet in her own right, Saunders' contribution to this particular volume, however, isn't in words but the rich, atmospheric photography that serves as Muse for Prinsloo's verse. Resplendent with beauty and colour, Red's sumptuous images are mirrored on each facing page by the tone of Prinsloo's poetic voice. Ever original - yet reminiscent of the classic poets of a bygone era - Gavin Prinsloo's writing draws heavily upon emotion and personal experience, mythology, and literary influences, past and present. As its title suggests, "Soul's Desire" explores the deepest desires, dreams, fears and very nature of the Soul through the medium of poetry and, specifically, by Prinsloo's visceral interpretation of Saunders' stunning photographic work. Page after page, readers will be awed by the glorious full-colour plates adorning this visually magnificent feast of imagery coupled with exceptional original poetry. --- Gen Banks, Australian poet/writer and author of "To Bedlam And Back: An Open Skies Spotlight". Read more