“Water Sessions is a collection of fine psychological acuity and astringent beauty.”  — Adam Newey, The Guardian

“The Skaters, a sweeping tale of punctured naivety in the face of life’s vicissitudes, is alone worth the price of entry. It Isn’t Me will doubtless elicit a pang of recognition from many readers; Blues for Samson, a candid but measured take on the capricious male libido, also deserves mention. In their reflective patter, formal dexterity, serio-comic tones and depth of feeling, these are the stand-out poems in an excellent book.  — Ben Wilkinson, TLS

“Subtle and thoughtful.”  — Fiona Sampson, The Independent

James Lasdun more than more than justified the decade-long wait for his fourth collection with the darkly witty Water Sessions.  — The Guardian, Best Poetry 2012