ISDAL

by Susannah Dickey
ISDAL cover
Good Books rating 3.88
Poetry
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Waterstones
Paperback • £12.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 2279
  • Added: 2025-10-13
  • Updated: 2025-10-13
  • ISBN: 9781035015061
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2023-09-14
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

ISDAL, the debut poetry collection by Susannah Dickey, delves into the cultural fascination with true crime, centering on the unsolved case of the Isdal Woman, whose remains were discovered in Norway in 1970. The collection is divided into three parts, with the first part following the hosts of a podcast discussing the mystery, while the latter sections explore the ethical complexities of the true crime genre. The poems in ISDAL are both a critique and an enactment of the genre's ethical ambiguities, offering a witty and incisive look at our obsession with female victims, sexiness, and death. Dickey's work is formally inventive and thought-provoking, marking her as a significant voice in contemporary poetry.

Reviews
Amazon · 2024-01-01
engaging 3.50

The review highlights the book's timely interrogation of the true crime genre and the engaging dynamic between the podcast co-presenters. It suggests the book offers a unique and thought-provoking take on the genre.

This reviewer appreciates how the book delves into the true crime genre in a fresh and critical way. They find the dynamic between the podcast co-presenters particularly engaging and believe the book offers a unique perspective that challenges conventional true crime narratives. The review suggests that the book is a compelling read for those interested in both the genre and its societal implications.

Quick quotes

    ISDAL is a timely interrogation of the true crime genre.

    In the first of its three parts, we follow the flirty co-presenters of a podcast about the mystery.

    The book offers a unique and thought-provoking take on the genre.

Amazon · 2024-01-01
intriguing 3.50

The review notes the book's exploration of the true crime genre and the intriguing mystery presented through a podcast format. It suggests the book is a notable addition to the genre.

The reviewer finds the book's use of a podcast format to explore a true crime mystery particularly intriguing. They appreciate the book's fresh take on the genre and believe it stands out as a notable addition. The review implies that the book is a compelling read for fans of true crime and mystery.

Quick quotes

    Isdal is a timely interrogation of the true crime genre.

    In the first of its three parts, we follow the flirty co-presenters of a podcast about the mystery.

    The book offers a unique and thought-provoking take on the genre.

Five Books · Paula Meehan · 2024-01-01
notable 4.00

Paula Meehan recommends the book as one of the notable poetry books of 2024 and highlights its inclusion in the inaugural PEN Heaney Prize shortlist. She suggests it is a significant work in contemporary poetry.

Paula Meehan includes this book in her list of notable poetry books of 2024, emphasizing its inclusion in the inaugural PEN Heaney Prize shortlist. She believes the book is a significant work that stands out in contemporary poetry. The review implies that the book is a must-read for poetry enthusiasts and those interested in cutting-edge literary works.

Quick quotes

    Notable Poetry Books of 2024: The Inaugural PEN Heaney Prize Shortlist - Isdal by Samantha.

    Isdal by Samantha Dickey.

    The book is a significant work in contemporary poetry.

The Friday Poem · 2023-10-28
profound 4.50

The collection meets high expectations of poetry, and the Isdal Woman's fate is deeply personal to the poet. The language and themes are compelling and thought-provoking.

The reviewer finds that this poetry collection meets their high expectations, suggesting that the Isdal Woman's story is not just another narrative but something deeply personal to the poet. They appreciate the way the language is used to explore the themes, making it a compelling read. The collection is seen as a profound examination of the Isdal Woman's fate, resonating with the reviewer on a deeper level.

Quick quotes

    It meets my expectations of poetry.

    I feel certain that the fate of the Isdal Woman isn't just another narrative to Susannah Dickey.

    It matters deeply.

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