Dominated by the presence of a beautiful, dignified womanhood that is tough but loving, giving and grateful, Amadiume's poems peel off layers of time to reveal memories that refuse to dissipate. A celebratory voice singing the beauty of autumn colours and the magic of Africa's starstudded sky and moonlit night is interlaced with a strong, unyielding moral voice that speaks against the injustice and bullying of the powerful and the pillage and greed of empire. Ultimately, though, Circles of Love is about love. Amadiume speaks with passion of love gained, love lost, love desired. She embraces the pains and joys of exile - memory, sweetness, history and a sense of peace with the landscapes - both interior and exterior - of home. Love is a many splendoured thing and Amadiume spins the wonder of it all in circles of remembrance, humour, joy and even political satire, weaving a lyrical and intimate voice in descriptions of family, friends and special places. An outstanding collection.