Debut book publication—short stories and a novella—features an elliptical style. Despite the promise of some paragraphs and the “fulsome blurbs,” the overall collection is impacted by issues related to pacing and “physicality.” —Alison Acheson reviews Mom Camp: Stories and Novella, by Veronique Darwin (Picton: Assembly Press, 2026) $23.95 / 9781998336319
Volume by “a poet in full command of her powers” examines past selves and current (middle-aged) self. And neither does it shy from irreverence: “Funny, sexy, bawdy writing like this is all too rare in Canadian poetry. Bachinsky’s work is a breath of fresh air, sure, but more importantly, her willingness to discuss such topics in no way diminishes the seriousness of her overall project.” —Carellin Brooks reviews Real Grownup, by Elizabeth Bachinsky (Gibsons: Nightwood Editions, 2026) $19.95 / 9780889714960