Despite not being a huge lover of podcasts - I know, shun me - the premise of The Breakup Monologues intrigued me. Established by Rosie Wilby, award-winning comedian, published author, and all-round funny woman, this 10-episode series invites a host of familiar and new comedians to discuss their most tragic and shocking break-up experiences. On the face of it, what's not to love?

Although the podcast was originally released in monthly installments, because I arrived late to the party I have actually had the pleasure of binge-listening my way through the 10 existing episodes - available across a number of online platforms, by the by - and on the whole it's been a thoroughly enjoyable experience. 

Wilby herself is a charming and unashamedly honest host and she does a fine job of drawing out the most interesting stories from her array of guests, who all have their own fine and sometimes crushing stories to tell too. Throughout the series a wide span of potentially difficult topics are brought up - many of which run parrallel to those discussed in Wilby's book, Is Monogamy Dead? - which not only allows her to speak confidently on these matters, alongside her guests, but also to draw on wider research, knowledge, and experiences that adds an obvious real-life credibility to much of what is presented across these episodes. 

The Breakup Monologues is a wonderful balance between informative and entertaining - particularly episode 8, which I won't ruin but I will mark it out as a personal favourite - and, frankly, I find myself eagerly awaiting the return of the podcast (dear Rosie, let there be more episodes). In the turbulent area of 21st century relationships, I personally appreciate the opportunity to eavesdrop on experienced voices and - not only that - but to hear things from such a variety of perspectives also, which Wilby allows for in her guest choices. 

For a unexpected blend of scandal, emotion, and intrigue, The Breakup Monologues is certainly worth adding to your listening list. A charming production that shed lights on many issues that aren't, but should be, openly discussed, Wilby has created a safe and amusing space in her recording booth, and I urge you to listen in. 

For more on Rosie Wilby, you can hop over to our Books section this week where Beth O'Brien is reviewing Wilby's book, Is Monogamy Dead?

- Charley  

​It’s been a while since a new feature was introduced to the Mad Hatter Reviews website. However, owing to a busy week and, frankly, nowhere near enough reading time, now seems like a good day to try out something new – hence, Currently Reading! This week I’ve been reading Kieran Davis’ second full length poetry collection Legacy, published by Black Pear Press. The collection came out in July 2018 and I’ve been dipping in and out of it since then – but I can’t bring myself to rush through something so meticulously crafted, so in place of a review, consider this a how it looks from here perspective on the book instead. 

Now, to give you some insight into where I am with the collection – I’m on page 32 of 79. Already in these opening pages it is clear that Davis’ collection is Legacy by name and legacy by nature, as the poet consistently shifts back to this idea of leaving something behind in his wake – whether that be his children, his works, or arguably both. However, while this central theme of making our mark on the world is a prominent one, there are satellite themes hovering around this idea such as love, family, mental health even. Rather than shying away from potentially difficult topics, Davis’ is, so far, making a fine show of displaying life’s peaks and troughs alongside each other, making for an emotionally balanced collection.

Something else that comes through wonderfully in the first leg of this book is the use of sound, despite this being so-called page poetry. Visually alone it’s easy to spot that Davis has matched his words well in terms of their construction on the page and equally in terms of their out-loud pairings, making for words that complement each other well and add a notable rhythm to many of the pieces in the book too.

Technical skill aside – although let’s not downplay it, these poems are technically well-written – Davis also shows a talent for killer lines, I give you (my favourite poem so far) ‘Unstoppable’ as an illustration of this: ‘She looked as though / she were trying to see / right through the world / at something she needed / on the other side’. So beautiful are some lines, indeed whole pieces, that it feels impossible to rush through this collection in case something important and well-crafted slips you by on the way – which is something that all readers of poetry want to avoid, I’m sure. 

​Not so much a quick read as a read that needs to be enjoyed and appreciated one poem at a time, Davis is pouring pieces of himself on pages and asking that we take the time to read them – and I for one am in no rush to finish this book. To enjoy Kieran Davis’ Legacy/legacy with me, you can purchase a copy now from the Black Pear Press website by clicking here. 

- Charley