The Poetry Pharmacy Returns with William Sieghart and Sarah Dunant

Nov 8, 2019

William Sieghart, a prominent poetry publisher and author of The Poetry Pharmacy, shares insights with Sarah Dunant, an acclaimed novelist known for her work on Renaissance Italy. They dive into the healing power of poetry, discussing its role in addressing emotional struggles like loneliness and heartache. Both explore how poetry fosters identity and empowerment, particularly for women navigating societal expectations. Their conversation highlights poetry's ability to connect us amidst the complexities of love and domestic life, emphasizing its therapeutic benefits for all.

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ANECDOTE

Accidental Pharmacy

William Sieghart's Poetry Pharmacy idea originated unexpectedly at Port Eliot Literary Festival.
He was asked to prescribe poems for people's problems, realizing poetry's power to soothe.

INSIGHT

Poetry as Solace

People turn to poetry for solace and a sense of shared experience, especially during difficult times.
Poetry offers a sense of complicity and understanding, like a secular liturgy.

ANECDOTE

Initial Resistance to Poetry

Sarah Dunant initially disliked poetry due to negative school experiences.
She found it dense and inaccessible, preferring transparent and elegant language.

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