A Distant Hum

Full of wry intelligence, and a sideways perspective that digs beneath the surface of things, Robin Thomas's second collection is creative, witty and warm. Never predictable, leaning on images from art, the cadences of jazz and remarkable moments, whether from history or life, there is an unswerving pressure on language and a sense of mischief that can turn out to be unnervingly serious. This is accomplished, confident work.