The Night Alphabet
the electrifying debut novel from the award-winning poet
(Author) Joelle Taylor'Joelle Taylor has a Midas touch with words' Diana Souhami The tattoo was a reclamation, a flag we mounted in the centre of our own landscape. A woman walks into a tattoo parlour. But this is no ordinary woman, and this is Hackney in 2233. Jones' body is covered in tattoos but she wants to add one final inking to her gallery - a thin line of ink mixed with blood that connects her body art together, creating a unique map. As the two artists set to work, Jones tells them the story behind each tattoo. As Jones is no ordinary woman, these are no ordinary stories: each one represents a doorway to a life Jones fell into, a 'remembering'. Some of these lives were in the past, others in the future, some are sideways, but each of them connects Jones to the two tattoo artists in some way, though they are unaware of it. We visit the dystopian cities of the Quiet Men, the coal mines of 19th century Lancashire, join a gang of vigilante sex workers, enter the world of an INCEL murderer, haunt the old Maryville gay bar, and uncover plans to genetically modify female children. Each of the stories brings us closer to Jones' truth, and how her life is intricately interwoven with that of the women tattooing her body. Set across geographies and timespans, The Night Alphabet is a dazzlingly bold and original work, a deep investigation into human nature and violence against women.
Joelle Taylor
Joelle Taylor is a British poet, playwright, and author known for her powerful and emotive spoken word performances. She has published several poetry collections, including "Ska Tissue" and "Songs My Enemy Taught Me," which explore themes of identity, gender, and social justice. Taylor's writing style is characterized by its raw honesty, vivid imagery, and lyrical language.
As a prominent figure in the spoken word scene, Taylor has made significant contributions to the genre by using her platform to amplify marginalized voices and address important social issues. She is also the founder of the National Youth Slam Championship, which provides a platform for young poets to showcase their talent.
One of Taylor's most famous works is "Cottonmouth," a collection of poems that delves into the complexities of race, heritage, and personal history. Through her writing, performances, and activism, Joelle Taylor continues to make a lasting impact on literature and society.
Other related
The Night Alphabet
The electrifying debut novel from the award-winning poet
