iopnagóige by Julie Breathnach-Banwait is a mesmerizing journey into the liminal space between wakefulness and dreaming—a poetic twilight where memory, loss, and identity intertwine. Rooted deeply in the vibrant textures of Irish language poetry from the 17th century and beyond, this stunning collection of bilingual prose poetry breathes new life into cultural heritage while speaking intimately to universal human experience.
Breathnach-Banwait’s lyrical voice is haunting and deeply sensory, seamlessly blending natural imagery with poignant domestic details. Each poem pulses with vivid scenes, from the fragile whisper of leaves recalling vanished loved ones to echoes resonating within ancestral lands, offering an emotionally charged exploration of both personal and collective identity.
At its heart, hiopnagóige is about journeys—through landscapes both internal and external. The body becomes a vessel navigating complex histories, resilience, and vulnerability in a delicate dance that readers will find both familiar and thrillingly unexpected. This collection beautifully captures the tension between preserving one’s roots and embracing the impermanence of life.
Rich, reflective, and achingly beautiful, hiopnagóige is essential reading for lovers of poetry, seekers of depth in language, and anyone longing to be transported into realms where past and present merge with striking clarity and emotional resonance.
