Jizzen by Kathleen Jamie

Jizzen

Kathleen Jamie

'Jizzen' is old Scots for childbed. This is an amazing exploration of childbirth - deeply personal and lyrical, yet full of knowing humour and disturbing references to old folklore. If you've been through it, you'll recognise loads; if you haven't, this will give you a taste of the complicated emotions involved.

Extract

Oh whistle and I'll come to ye,
my lad, my wee shilpit ghost
summonsed from tomorrow

from Ultrasound

Parallels
  • Kissing a Bone by Maura Dooley
  • The Wellspring by Sharon Olds
  • The Blue Jay's Dance by Louise Erdrich