The Last Poets

Christine is a real... Whitegirl. A SERIOUS DUTCH WHITEGIRL! But she's our Whitegirl! --Umar Bin Hassan, one of The Last Poets Christine Otten dives in the middle of their world and describes it from the inside. -- Herman Koch, author of The Dinner The Last Poets' fierce performance poetry inspired generations of musicians, even as they destroyed themselves. Now they're back - and as relevant as ever. -- The Guardian Otten's book is more than just a straight-forward novel. It charts the complex past of one of the most exciting and influential acts in the history of music. -- The Wee Review, Edinburgh Intl' Book Festival A white Dutch author and African-American poet have bonded over troubled fathers. The secret to fiction is humility towards your characters -- Irish Times One could really feel that Otten's presence was appreciated in the tight-knit world of the Last Poets, that she'd done a good job penetrating the egos, bringing out the humanity & telling 'a decent story.' - Mumble Words, Edinburgh With this audacious book she has succeeded in delivering a literary piece that resembles the ingenuity of a well-composed piece of music. The book throbs through your body long after you have finished reading it. -- Dutch Foundation for Literature Otten has succeeded remarkably well: the poets have body and soul and a unique voice in her novel. Her portrayal of Umar is especially lively and moving. --Trouw A piercing and touching story of a fickle, black poets' music group. Otten has developed a unique form in telling a breath-taking saga. Play it again Christine!' --NRC Handelsblad The Last Poets moves at breakneck speed...her empathy for the characters and power of imagination [means] Otten can easily hold her own with native American authors such as Lisa Alther and Alice Walker. -- De Groene Amsterdammer