The Prize

John’s first full book is a rich eclectic gathering of writings gathered from almost twenty years of walking the poetic path. Nominated for the Forward Prize, The Prize opened the doors wide for John in the tightly guarded and closed literary world of that time, and set the path for what was to come. Featuring some of his most well-known and best loved poems, this really is the match that started the fire.

‘John Siddique's poetry takes the reader on a journey, crossing the border country between love and loss, he charts his family's untold stories. Interested in exploring opposite worlds and seeming contradictions, his poetry is a brilliant balancing act. Sometimes steamy, often moving, The Prize is a bold, brave book with a big, open heart.’
Jackie Kay - Poet Laureate of Scotland

'John Siddique's writing is playful and poignant. It explores the complexities of a fragmented world - of sex, family, loss and dream-life - with such clear-eyed, unsentimental candour that I go back to certain poems time and again for another immersion. He's not afraid of writing about love, its pain and rewards, its sudden, shocking forces and darkly funny epiphanies - and his poems demonstrate a generosity and humanity so often lacking in more brittle, defensive writers.'
Catherine Smith

'Nicely made poems which I'll be reading again, can imagine they're good to hear from his mouth'
Michael Horovitz

'John Siddique's first collection, proves that he's onto something. He exhibits an impressive honesty.....There's originality and surprise down the spine of this collection....It's an exciting joy to read.   An ultimately fresh and impressive debut, Siddique is definitely one to watch.'
The North  

'Precise storytelling, eloquently captured moments and adroit turns of mood: from subtle, erotic and reflective to humorous, tormented and impish.....encourages regard for, and involvement with, a panoramic and endearingly human and messy vision of contemporary society.'
Poetry International

John’s poems tackle life full on, covering politics and race and the personal – childhood, being a parent, relationships, sex and love. With a refreshing directness John’s poems take an unblinking look at what it is to be alive. Speaking with a commanding voice and an appealing honesty, the ideal poet for twenty-first century Britain.

'Siddique is good on the gaps between things, the accumulated eloquence of silences and isolated incidents...out of which we make poetry.' - The Morning Star

'John Siddique makes the personal universal'
CITY LIFE