.co.uk

Ben Speroni (Campaigner/Writer for Hope Not Hate /Searchlight Anti-Fascist Magazine)

'I used to step / on the same paving slabs / as the great working-class poet / Tony Harrison,' writes Andy Carrington, proudly, in 'Poetic Self Defence'.

Carrington's straightforward language and personal honesty are reminiscent of Harrison, though his style has more in common with American thirties poets such as Kenneth Fearing, whose tough Marxism was often tinged with bitterness.

Carrington's bitterness is fierce and frequent, sometimes bordering on pessimism and paranoia, as in 'It's Only Going to Get Worse' ('“Look to the future,” / they say, / as if aiding the morosity / of my scribbles'). But the anger does have a focus - on the racist and fascist groups he's seen marching on his streets. His descriptions of the EDL, as in 'The Streets Have No Shame', will strike a chord with anti-Fascists:

They want their country back
and claim a peaceful protest,
each supping ten pints of lager
in Wetherspoons before
they mask their faces and take
to the streets ready for war

At times like these, Carrington is more Billy Bragg than Tony Harrison. But like all good anti-fascists, Carrington has a sense of humour about it all:

'I may stand / and HANG THE FLAG / PROUD / (mainly for the cider / it has given me)' he writes in 'Paki Lover.' And despite his anger at the prejudice he sees around him, his final thought is optimistic: '“The division of colour, / the division of class, / they're both false; / The only real and true / thing here… is love."'

http://www.hopenothate.org.uk/news/article/1942/paki-lover-and-other-poems

Daniel Farb (Toronto-Based Poet/Writer/Music Critic) 

Paki Lover is a short chapbook by Andy Carrington, an aspiring poet from the UK. While labelled as a poetry compilation, the experience of reading Paki Lover was more akin to reading stream of consciousness prose of the main character from Dostoevsky’s Notes from Underground (albeit not with the same psychological depth or to same extents of depravity). Focused on his own experiences in modern British society, Carrington expresses a tone of apathy, cynicism, and utter disgust throughout his poems at the blatant racism, inequalities, and violent social rifts he perceives in the world around him.

Though frequently cutting his anger with doses of sarcasm and an even sometimes humorous tone, Carrington expresses a clear struggle with holding his own liberal beliefs in what he perceives as an overwhelmingly conservative and traditional society. Sickened by the racial intolerance and prejudice around him, the poet is met with ignorant opposition when he shares his views publicly, being called a “LIBERAL CUNT” (pg. 23), “PAKI LOVER” and “pro-immigration supporting / QUEER” (pg. 21). Carrington conveys a sense of internal conflict to stay true to his values while at the same time operate within society. He even struggles not internalize the discriminatory contexts he overhears, reads, and comes across every day, writing: “I betrayed my race” (pg. 25) in a seemingly sarcastic and somewhat defeated tone. A poem called 'Childhood Gone' by contributing poet Chetna Patel illuminates the harsh reality of being a victim of the racism and bigotry that Carrington describes, with the poet wondering “Why did we move here?” The impacts of the ongoing discrimination faced by the poet are painfully evident in the poem’s closing lines: “I’m barely even / eleven years old // By my childhood, / it would seem, / is already over.”

Carrington alludes a few times throughout his poems to relying on drinking to ease the stress of his life, writing that he feels “content that this is my only / form of freedom and given right / as an individual” (pg. 10). Rather than resist his own lifestyle, he seems rather to embrace his “choice to scrape / by with limited means” as his “only / fucking viable alternative” to giving into the status quo of prejudice and societal illness that he perceives around him. Though Paki Lover may be a bit difficult to swallow for some readers, the book does end on a brighter, more hopeful note. In the last poem, 'The Fight for Love', Carrington expresses the truths he holds dear to his heart. Quoting the words of someone close to him, he writes: “‘The division of colour, / the division of class, / they’re both false; // the only real and true / thing here…is love’” concluding that he’s “not ashamed / now to say that I think / you may be right” (pg. 27). Despite all lines of discrimination in society and his own internal conflicts, the poet comes back to his ideals and chooses to stand by his liberal values. For Carrington, it seems, there is a reason for hope in the future.

http://mcfubb.blogspot.com/2011/04/poetry-chapbook-review-paki-lover-by.html

Veronica Festi AKA Ronny Skinhead (S.H.A.R.P.) 2012.1.28 16:11

I expected something different from this book, and I am pleased to say Carrington did not only touch upon the hatred/misunderstanding that sadly exists between people, but continued his research towards a horizon of hope.

Fear affects life, and reading in-between the lines of his poems I can see the inspiration behind Carrington’s work. Hate calls for hate and separation, and love calls for love and understanding; Carrington wanted to bring out the idea of freedom as a communion between the races, specifying how politics is the greatest evil in influencing already-ignorant people into becoming racist and hypocritical.

As Andy believes, I believe only if you manage to go beyond yourself, beyond your mental limitations, you will begin to understand those who are of a different race and/or nationality. By recognising the positivity in difference, it is then that we are able to grow.

Ewan Alman (London, England) 2011.9.12 2:26

Paki Lover is an evocative look at modern society, which forces you to confront the harsh reality of present-day prejudice. It's clear to see that racism is just as prevalent today and has merely evolved with the times. Andy Carrington takes us on an eye-opening journey documenting the ignorance that many people still behold. His hard-hitting experiences can be found in two of my favourite poems, 'The Streets Have No Shame' and 'Childhood Gone'. Both convey the stark truths of racism today and the effects these have upon their recipients. A sense of seclusion is prevalent throughout, and, as expected, you can't help but feel sorrow for the worse affected. These collections of tactical observations are well structured and certainly thought-provoking. An important piece of work, and a must-read for all.

Samir Desai (Leeds, West Yorkshire, Engand) 2011.9.12 9:49

Paki Lover & Other Poems by Andy Carrington can only be described as "genius!"

Carrington has his own unique writing style that touches upon issues that others won't (or are too afraid to) talk about, such as right-wing fascism/racism. Whilst mentioning the fact that ignorance is still very much alive, loud in voice and a prominent part of society, at the same time, he manages to mock the so-called "patriotic" behaviour of these groups to full effect.

Carrington's humorous and sometimes sarcastic style delivers a very strong message that everyone of all ages and races should read, study and ultimately enjoy. His book is a real eye opener to some of the realities that we as a society are faced with on a daily basis.
 
A must read!

Zahra Fartousi (London, England) 2011.9.9 00:40

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Andy Carrington's Paki Lover and Somewhere in-between Msanthropy and Anti-Fascism. I loved how both books flowed with irony yet had a very strong sociopolitical message. When choosing to read a book I always look for something serious, yet at the same time relaxed and amusing. Andy's books were both great in that they embraced these factors extremely well. And although I found the books sincerely entertaining, I found that they also depicted grave matters and possessed deep undertones. They were very skilfully written and exceptionally worthwhile.

Richard Lindsay (Spain) 2011.6.24 09:17

What's the difference between Andy Carrington and the rest of us? Probably just the fact that he puts pen to paper. Well, that's the feeling I get when I read these two collections of his more political works - both available to download for a pittance by the way!

He's an ordinary bloke, he's one of us, and like many of us, he's fed up with quite a lot of stuff and he's just telling it as he sees it.

Of course there lies the real difference. Andy has a great knack for using natural, everyday language in his poetry to convey a personal message. Wordsworth and Coleridge would be proud of his ability to use "such words as men do use" in the modern age.

His writing is always honest and direct. This approach and style is particularly refreshing in the context of Paki Lover and Somewhere In-between Misanthropy and Anti-Fascism. Both works are a reflection of the political frustrations of a young British, white male, struggling to feel at home in a society in which racism is still as rife as ever.

This is not a political manifesto. Andy is never afraid to admit he doesn't have all the answers, or able to fully confront his own prejudices. We are presented with a series of very personal accounts of one British man's dismay, disillusionment and private struggle to come to terms with an increasingly ugly, hate-filled political landscape which fails to represent the multi-cultural society in which he lives.

This is a great package of two books: the PDFs are delivered online as fast as Andy's style of prosaic poetry. At £2.50, there's really no point not grabbing these.

Adam Spencer (West Yorkshire, England) 2011.6.11 14.37

In the modern world of the Internet (and specifically Facebook), you don't have to go too far to see the moronic fascists have managed to pick their knuckles up from the ground and learnt to type their idiotic ideas out, only for the fellow cavemen to seal clap them for the treat of becoming 'patriotic' with their peers. Now, however interesting it is to see how people genuinely think that groups such as the BNP and EDL could improve 'Great' Britain, I highly doubt they will ever get the opportunity to do so. I have faith. I have the faith that the mass majority of the population would never let these inbred scum have any amount of power, and it's reading poetry like this that keeps the faith alive. I would love to be able to hand out Paki Lover to some of these ignorant people, but I could only see it becoming a mass 'Story Time with Adam Spencer' as they lack the ability to read, or having to stop and explain the meaning of every word over 3 syllables. Keep up the good work, Andy, it's a job that will never end, but it's a job I will keep coming back and enjoying to read about.

Kerry Baugh (Willenhall, West Midlands, England) 2011.5.11 16.34

In a world full of Heat magazines and tabloid trash it's refreshing to read about something that actually matters. Andy adresses subjects that are important to me with a fabulous mix of cynicism and anger that I know so well from my own responses to these topics. The poems are completely absorbing, and as he describes the ignorant people we all unfortunately meet in our day to day lives, I could feel my personal reactions reflected in his work. When I finished both the books I was left feeling comforted that there are others out there who see things the way I do, and I am desperate to read more of his fantastic work. I recommend that you give these books a read and hope that you enjoy them as much as I did.

Nicole Schoute (Netherlands) 2011.5.11 15.20

When I read the first poem, I sat for like five minutes quiet in my chair, thinking about it. And that's something I really like, thinking about a poet's stories. Every single poem is just like that, you can think about them. All of them have a meaning, and you start to think to yourself: yes, what the writer's saying is true! I love how he expresses himself in his poems, making his political beliefs clear. I couldn't stop reading, Actually, I read the book twice! Well done!

Just like Paki Lover, the second book, Somewhere In-Between Anti-Fascism is great! I love the childhood links. Some parts of it made me laugh, and made me think a lot about the world in which we live -- and that's might be the most important thing! Love it.

Fischetti Barz (New Jersey, USA) 2011.4.8 21:22

Great read! I respect the challenge for certain types of people to take a look at their hypocritical ways. Growing up as a "white rapper" I can appreciate the subtle racisim and judgements cast upon you from people who don't even truly believe in what they're saying (most of whom are just parroting what they're parents or older siblings tought them). Spewing their rhetoric at anybody except the people they're talking about... Claiming to hate ignorance yet filled with more of it than the people they misjudge. Growing up where I grew up I would have more reason to be racist than these people that only know 5-6 minorities... I've fought more black people than white... But I would never cast out a whole race because of what a few do. Anyways... ranting. One of my favs is "Fence-sitters"; I've written many songs along the same lines as this poem. It def gave me the urge to get up and do something... just not sure what ;) It's a shame that most the people who need to get something out of writings like these are the same ones who never will. Don't get me wrong... I'm guilty of the same things... there's been plenty of times in my life when I was brimming with apathy and ignorance.. but my mind can never stay that way.. unfortunately. Haha. Anyways I don't wanna go overboard and write a review longer than the book itself... I just wanna say I appreciate the honesty and awareness here. 2 thumbs up!!!

Klare Smith (Anacortes, Washington, USA) 2011.4.8 03:10

I really enjoyed reading your work! I've been hearing things about what's going on in the UK on the news and such, but I've never heard anything from someone that actually lives in the middle of it each day. I feel like I'm learning about things that others don't get to percieve, in all honesty. I love your writing voice, it's so honest and raw. I also really like how you put personal stories in there along with all the rest of the political things, people need to put more heart in their work like you do. Especially about your love for music, because I can relate to that. Music plays a big part in my life (and well-being), also. Once I started reading, I didn't want to stop and read them both all the way through. I completely love your work and will definitely be spreading it around!

John Stephens (West Yorkshire) 2011.2.21 13:11

Particuarly like how you notice that black people are now accepted into Society and Asians aren't, even though the iflux of the two was only 20 years apart and it was our past imperialistic country that invaded their homes then felt compelled to offer a supposed, better life over here.Were they not quite happy before? Racist people nowadays are like they are because of guilt and not having a braincell between them. All men are created equal. Thumbs up and a goldstar for you.

Alesha (Bolton, Greater Manchester, England) 2011.2.15 18:42

This elegant collabaration of racial and political poems was recommended to me by my favourite cousin aka HOBBIT! I have to say the way in which author and Co (Co meaning Chetna Patel), is pure creativity from the heart. Every poem seems to have a racial or political angle. The views on racism and prejudice taken from a "non-brown" perspective only makes my hopes that little bit higher in thinking maybe, just maybe one day such hate will disappear. Who am I kidding, right? Lol.

Millions of minds thinking exactly the same thing, when will the hate cease? There is no simple answer and many people may have lost hope (like in the wonderful piece of poetry written by Chetna Patel), however, this book highlights the racial, political, ignorant, cultural-clashing views of the West. It exploits that the ignorant, uneducated minds of "white people" trying to protect "thier" country. They say their not racists and blame non-british people for "stealing" their jobs. Well, this country should have thought about that before setting up colonies allover the world, entrapping slaves and sending them to "this counrty" to work and steal their produce, skills and talent to pass it off as their own. NO WONDER US "PAKIS...WON'T RUN".

When reading through the poems I found myself in most of them. I found my views and some of my own beliefs and opinions entwined in all the poems. Thats the beauty of the authors work (and Chetna Patel). To sum the poetry up in one word.....MAGIC!
A big thank you to Andy Carrington and Chetna Patel for publicising views that most are scared of expressing!

Peace x

Matt Jenner (Baildon, West Yorkshire, England) 2011.2.15 12:56

Just finished reading the latest collection of poetry by Andy Carrington, Paki Lover. As someone who also has an unhealthy exposure to FreeMasons the poem I felt most connected to was 'Paki Lover'. The poem gives a great insight into the writers 'bread winning' job and his experiences with the hypocritical morons which form the majority of Freemasonry. The collection screams 'frustration with life and people in it', particularly the FreeMasons and their ignorance and it feels closely linked with his upbringing. He is passionate about his beliefs in equality and tolerance and is an inspirational person to myself. Andy is a truely talented writer and I love his work. I strongly reccomend that you read his 'Tales of Misanthropy' and also his other poetry.

Mark Ashworth (Blackburn, Lancashire, England) 2011.2.14 19:21

Firstly, don't let the name fool you on this excellent piece of work. It is an excellent production from an extremely talented individual who has been unfortunate enough to experience a lot of crap, but still has the determination and passion to want to write about it in such a way that allows the reader a real insight into his life.

It isn't solely what the title would let you believe. It touches upon memories as a child, growing up and the experiences in adulthood as well as friendships with people from other backgrounds and the subsequent abuse one can receive for being associated with other human beings of a different skin colour and/or religion.

An eye-opening chapbook that shows you just what 21st Century Britain is truly like through the eyes of someone living it. Fully recommended.

Jayne (Pontefract, West Yorkshire, England) 2011.2.13 23:02

If you're an anti-fascist (or even if you are not), I strongly reccomend that you read this book. It certainly opened my eyes, and I am by no means a racist. It gives an honest and realistic view of the society we live in today, and how ignorant some people can be. Please show your support for a young, talented, creative writer. Well done, mate!

Kaurwaki (Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England) 2011.2.9 01:25

I have read the book Paki Lover & Other Poems by Andy Carrington, and would like to say the writer is truly gifted and exceptionally talented for being able to draw you into his experiences with his flamboyant writing.

It is brilliant how in the first poem ‘Somewhere In-between and Out of Touch’, he links the issue of political correctness with a childhood memory and then, through various other personal experiences, his understanding of politics, race and hierarchical institutions begins to develop further into the book.

The whole book was remarkable. I particularly liked ‘The Streets Have No Shame’; it illustrated how hatred and ignorance breeds racism, which still plagues our streets in 2011. I thought this was very thought provoking.

I also found ‘Paki Lover’ fascinating for covering the irony and double standards that are still played out in our society today. The sad thing is that this happens on a daily basis; it’s a real shame that if certain people aren’t able to look beyond race, religion and culture then they won’t be able to see that the majority of people want the same things (decent housing education, employment, etc).

My favourite, however, would have to be ‘The Fight For Love’ -- it was beautifully written and encapsulated mixed race relationships perfectly. I really appreciate this poem, being that I am in an interracial marriage myself and have personal experiences of the challenges that are spoken about in the poem. I found the writing very moving, exciting and sad in places; especially, there was still an underlying current of hope that made me very happy.
Well done, Andy. I’m thinking that this is your best work so far. You write with such passion, enthusiasm and it’s really inspiring to read what you have achieved here. You have a real flair for creative writing and you should never give up.

Anon (Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England) 2011.2.3 23:51

Your work is brilliant. You're an inspiration. I would recommend this collection to anyone. You don't get half as much credit as your deserve. You write about the things that mean something to you and real issues in the world. One of my favourites is 'Freemasons Only Perpetuate the Human Stereotype', but the book as a whole I enjoyed. 'Childhood gone' by Chetna Patel really moved me, it disgusts me to think that people still think that way. I look forward to your next collection.

Kokila Patel (Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England) 2011.2.3 23:04

I have read Paki Lover & Other Poems  a few times now, I can only describe it as INCREDIBLE!

It is the one of best piece of writing I have read in a long time. It makes you feel a range of emotions. I paticularly liked The Freemason poems beacause of the Irony of the attitudes of the freemason to other races. Also I loved childhood gone by Chetna Patel.. purely because I can relate to this poem due to my own experiences.. It is wriiten with such passion and emotion.. It seems I have been Rolling with a genius by the name of Chetna Patel.

Paki Lover and Fight for love are excellent.. Again Andy has demonstrated how the power of words can totally overwhelm you with such emotions.. I would describe Andy's work as one of the best that I have ever read. .. I can only descibe you as a " Pure Genius" I look forward to your next piece of work..

Well done my friend... I love your work . XX

Laura Green (Chorley, Lancashire, England) 2011.2.2 21:05

Ive always loved reading your poems and this is among the top ones! i think your views on everything is amazing, i thought the fight for love was beautiful! well done with the chapbook and i look forward to reading more from you xx

Kirsty Hewson (Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England) 2011.2.1 23:10

I loved reading this.

'Somewhere in-between and out of touch' is one of my favourites, I love childhood links. 'Freemasons only perpetuate the human stereotype' is also one I liked, it made me laugh and I thought it was brilliant. 'Childhood gone' by Chetna Patel moved me. I really sympathised. I don't know if it's true but it made me feel sick.

I love your work, Andy x