Xtra! reviews Touch To Affliction

Nathalie Stephens has published two books this year: the English auto-translation of Je Natahanael (BookThug; $15) and Touch To Affliction (Coach House; $17). These aren't collections of poems so much as poetic books. In some ways, each book continues where the last one ended, creating a cumulative narrative. Stephens writes "l'entregenre" (between genres, genders and languages) and revisits the theme of hybridism.

Je Nathanael concerns itself mainly with the body, whereas Touch To Affliction focusses on language. Each book touches on the other's theme, and the separation of language from the body is perhaps Setephens' largest concern. In both books, which are equally compelling and gorgeously designed, Stephens obsesses on failure – of words, translation, memory and flesh – and the complex natures of cities and books.

Stephens' intellectual references are sometimes difficult, but she manages a fine balance between brain and gut. She keeps us close by addressing us directly, using powerful, repetition and sometimes seducing us with urgent, page-long sentences. Her words create such a passionate rhythm that you'll devour her books in one sitting, then read them again.