May Day

by Jackie Kay
May Day cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Poetry
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Paperback • £10.99
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  • ID: 2277
  • Added: 2025-10-13
  • Updated: 2025-10-13
  • ISBN: 9781509864843
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2024-04-25
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

May Day is a long-awaited poetry collection from Jackie Kay, former Makar of Scotland. These poems span several decades of political activism, from the international solidarity of Glasgow in Kay's childhood to the feminist, LGBT+, and anti-racist movements of the 80s and 90s, and up to the present day. Kay brings to life influential figures like Fanny Eaton, Paul Robeson, Angela Davis, and Audre Lorde, delving into their stories with a fresh perspective. The collection also includes a suite of lyric poems about the recent loss of Kay's parents, blending grief with love and celebration. /n/n The poems in May Day are a testament to Kay's unique voice and her ability to weave personal and political narratives together. The collection is not just a reflection on the past but also a commentary on the present, intersecting with global events like the pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement. Kay's work is both a celebration of life and a call to action, making this collection a must-read for poetry lovers and those interested in social justice.

Reviews
Mad Poets Society · 2024-12-18
compelling 4.50

The reviewer admires the collection for its quiet strength and compelling storytelling, noting the powerful blend of reflection and activism.

The reviewer is impressed by the quiet strength and compelling storytelling in Jackie Kay's May Day. They highlight the way Kay weaves personal reflection with political activism, creating a powerful and engaging collection. The reviewer finds the poems to be deeply moving and thought-provoking, making it a standout work in contemporary poetry.

Quick quotes

    May Day is a work of quiet strength and compelling story.

    The poems repeatedly and powerfully weave active reflection with activism inspired by Kay's personal and political experiences.

    The collection is a testament to Kay's ability to blend personal and collective narratives in a deeply moving way.

The Guardian · 2024-10-11
heartfelt 4.50

The reviewer appreciates Kay's warm and wistful narration, which beautifully captures the emotional depth of her poems. They highlight the collection's blend of personal and political themes.

The reviewer is captivated by Jackie Kay's audiobook performance, noting her warm and impish charm that brings the poems to life. They particularly enjoy how Kay navigates themes of family, love, and activism, creating a deeply moving experience. The reviewer finds the collection to be a poignant exploration of personal history intertwined with broader political narratives, making it a standout work.

Quick quotes

    As narrator, Kay is warm, wistful and full of impish charm as she moves between past and present.

    Her poems are littered with references to family, love, and political activism, creating a rich tapestry of personal and collective history.

    The collection is a profound exploration of grief and change, infused with a sense of warmth and resilience.

Culture Matters · 2024-10-01
insightful 4.00

The reviewer praises the collection for its emotional resonance and political depth, highlighting Kay's ability to blend personal and collective narratives.

The reviewer is deeply moved by Jackie Kay's latest collection, which addresses her parents and their impact on her life. They appreciate the way Kay weaves personal stories with broader political themes, creating a powerful and emotionally resonant work. The reviewer finds the collection to be a testament to Kay's skill as a poet, blending personal grief with a sense of collective history and activism.

Quick quotes

    May Day is Jackie Kay's latest poetry collection, addressed to her parents, Helen and John Kay, who adopted her as a baby.

    The collection is a powerful exploration of love, loss, and political activism, making it a standout work.

    Kay's ability to blend personal and collective narratives is truly remarkable.

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