Tumour

In her seventh book of poetry, Evelyn Lau digs up her deepest fears to unearth the universal hope we all have — of a life that matters. Tumour's power lies in Lau's ability to talk about the things we don't like to talk about, the things we avoid with lotions and potions and self-medication. Tumour compels sober self-reflection and shining light into the corners of the mind. In the book's first part, Lau roots through the forces of life that shaped her — the family legacy, the cultural inheritance. The second part parses how these histories sculpt the present. The rose-coloured glasses of youth are replaced with the lenses of middle age, which sharpen the world's edges. With trenchant observations and unparalleled imagery, Tumour/strong showcases Lau at the top of her craft.