Description

From Arlo Parks, Grammy Award-nominated recording artist and “voice of a generation”—a stunning debut book of poetry and a world-building companion to her sophomore album My Soft Machine.

“Poetry was my place, my little clearing in the forest, where I could quietly put everything I was holding. I’m not sure what gave me the courage to open up that space to you but here I am, doing it. I am proud to show you this personal lens that life shimmers through. This book is no longer mine. It is yours.”—Arlo Parks

The Magic Border is the debut book from the Grammy-nominated, Mercury Prize winning musician and poet Arlo Parks. This remarkable collection features Arlo’s handpicked original poems alongside exclusive photographs by friend and collaborator Daniyel Lowden in addition to the complete lyrics to her critically lauded sophomore album My Soft Machine. A deeply personal literary tapestry, The Magic Border beautifully showcases the full breadth of Arlo’s singular artistry.

About the Author

Arlo Parks is a British singer, songwriter, and poet. Her debut album, Collapsed in Sunbeams, was widely acclaimed, earning her the 2021 Mercury Prize as well as Grammy nominations for Best New Artist and Best Alternative Music Album. Her sophomore album, My Soft Machine, cements her as one of the most compelling voices of her generation.

Praise For…

“In a read that’s short but powerful, the poems and lyrics take up space — exploring everything from the many forms love can take to the many ways grief can consume a person.” — Shondaland

“An embrace of a book.” — Florence Welch (Florence + The Machine)

“There’s as much music in Arlo’s poetry as there is poetry in her music.” — Lucy Dacus (Boygenius)

“Arlo pulls beauty around her as a war tactic, and she shares the spoils with us. I am grateful and invigorated.” — Katie Gavin (MUNA)

“These poems penetrate the heart.” — Richie Hofmann, author of A Hundred Lovers

"An exploration on queerness, and a meditation on grief and blackness." — The Cut