This short pamphlet must serve as only an introduction to the poetry of Vahid Davar, an Iranian refugee who came to Britain in 2013. The collection largely consists of extracts from two major collections in Persian and published, in absentia, in 2018/19. The pamphlet, self-translated by the poet whose facility in English is exceptional, contains, as he writes, “all my semi-self-translated exodus poems”. It is a remarkable collection in its scope, imaginative power, verbal dexterity and strong emotional heft – it should be required reading for all Home Secretaries.

Dr Patrick Lodge