Tricksy, acerbic and laugh-out-loud funny, Cain is the dazzling new collection from Next Generation Poet Luke Kennard.

In a series of animated conversations, Cain – the first murderer – provides therapy sessions for the author, covering everything from interfaith dialogue and genealogy to zombies. Cain‘s central sequence of 31 anagram poems re-energises Genesis 4:9-12, demonstrating the mastery of form and trademark surreal humour that has made Kennard one of British poetry’s brightest lights.

Endlessly inventive, bruisingly direct, and rich with a desperate, defensive humour. A stunning achievement.

JOE DUNTHORNE