In this impressive debut, Nick Laird explores the sharp edge of relationships, from the intimacy of lovers to the brutality of political violence. Journeying between his native Ulster and his adopted London, he balances ideas of home and flight, the need for belonging and the need to remain outside.

Formally deft, rhetorically fresh, these poems never shy from difficult choices, exploring cruelty and vengeance wherever they may be found: in love, in work and against political backdrops. But these are brave, resolute writings that resist despair at all times, affirming instead the need to rebuild and to right oneself, to dust down and carry on.

“Nick Laird’s To A Fault is doing more, in its range and ambition, than any first collection I can think of in at least the last ten years.” –Deryn Rees-Jones, The Independent

“Nick Laird’s first book of poems, To A Fault, is the most auspicious debut in Irish poetry since Paul Muldoon.” –Colm Toibin

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