Review of The Loulaki Bar

Review by B.L. Kennedy in his review section of Rattlesnake Review, #23, Fall 2009

The Loulaki Bar and other poems from Hydra
Henry Denander
Miskwabic Press
USD 15,-

It's always a treat to go to the mailbox or the P.O. Box and find review copies of books. It's even more of a treat to go to that same P.O. Box and find a book of poetry by Henry Denander. I can't explain in my limited vocabulary the joy that this poet's work bring to my life. The Loulaki Bar and other poems from Hydra is a beautifully rendered and rare collection of poetry and art by a poet who, if I ever have the chance to meet, it would be an honor just to shake his hand. I really don't know how to put my finger on what it is that makes Henry Denander speak to me with such an elegant voice - whether it's his use of language or the colorful strokes in the paintings that accompany each poem in this selection. All I know is that after reading The Loulaki Bar and other poems from Hydra, I wanted more. I wanted to drown myself in the poet's language. I wanted every word to drip upon my head in some divine baptism. I wanted to be part of the paintings, of the words, of the vision from this master craftsman. Is it the use of narrative that the poet displays with such clarity of voice, or is it simply his innocent use of lyric and narrative line? I don't know. All I do know is you should buy this book. Don't pass it up. You'll be doing a great injustice to yourself and to this poet of magnificent stature.
--B.L. Kennedy