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Anyone read The Monkey's Mask?

Has anyone here read The Monkey's Mask, by Dorothy Porter?

The Monkey's Mask is a 2000 thriller film directed by Samantha Lang. It stars Susie Porter and kelly McGillis. Porter plays a lesbian private detective who falls in love with a suspect (McGillis) in the disappearance of a young woman.

The film is based on the verse novel of the same name by Australian poet Dorothy Porter

source: wikipedia

I've read it several times and have picked it up again this week, because I'm attempting something in a similar vein. I'd be interested in hearing some other opinions on this form, i.e. verse-novels.... prose-poetry..

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Comment by Lorne Johnson on September 19, 2013 at 20:24: Hey, Lee. Good discussion topic. No, I haven't read The Monkey's Mask. I've never been particularly interested (I groaned and rolled my eyes through the film, even though I reckon Susie Porter is possibly Australia's most convincing and enthralling actress). I love the economy and poignancy of Dorothy Porter's last collection The Bee Hut, which I read a few years back whilst on a brief holiday in Braidwood (Judith Wright country). Look at Murray's Freddy Neptune re verse-novels. I haven't read it, but hey, Les is the master isn't he? LJ

Comment by Lee Wilde on September 19, 2013 at 20:41: The book is excellent. Every poem stands on its own....they're all short, no bullshit... each one there only to advance the story. Its a joy to read.

Comment by Lee Wilde on September 19, 2013 at 20:49: I organised for a hoard of people to attend the film premiere in Perth...and once everyone had arrived, I was dying of thirst so I ran across the road to a bar for a quick g&t...started talking to someone and decided to give it a miss. I've since heard so many bad reviews, I can't be bothered now either.

Comment by Susan Sleepwriter on September 20, 2013 at 8:02: I loved it. I love the merge of poetry and prose. Have begun to read a few others to explore the form:

CJ Dennis "The songs of a sentimental bloke"

Vikram Seth "The golden gate"

Dorothy Porter "El Dorado"

Love Dorothy Porter's work though.

Comment by Lee Wilde on September 20, 2013 at 22:20: Thanks Susan, I'm going to get hold of those. I love prose-poetry also.. it seems to be my natural leaning.

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