Description

Book Synopsis


“Chris Abani’s poetry resonates with a devastating beauty which cuts through to the heart of human strength.”—Pride


Hands Washing Water is Chris Abani''s fourth poetry collection—a mischievous book of displacement, exile, ancestry, and subversive humor. The central section, “Buffalo Women,” is a Civil War correspondence between lovers that plays on our assumptions about war, gender, morality, and politics.


Sweetest Henri,
I know we promised to be honest,
one to the other, but your recent missive,
though welcome as any epistle from you,
filled me with a dread that clung
like dampness to wet wood. I am terrified
for your immortal soul, dear sweet Henri.
This mad war of Lincoln is infecting you
with a sickness too depraved to even address. . .

Abani’s writing is ruthless, at times traumatic, and consistently filled with surprising twists and turns.

Hands Washing Water

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    £16.20

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    RRP £18.00 – you save £1.80 (10%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Wed 5 Aug 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Chris Abani

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      Publisher: Copper Canyon Press,U.S.
      Publication Date: Publication Date: 16/11/2006
      ISBN13: 9781556592478, 978-1556592478
      ISBN10: 1556592477

      Description

      Book Synopsis


      “Chris Abani’s poetry resonates with a devastating beauty which cuts through to the heart of human strength.”—Pride


      Hands Washing Water is Chris Abani''s fourth poetry collection—a mischievous book of displacement, exile, ancestry, and subversive humor. The central section, “Buffalo Women,” is a Civil War correspondence between lovers that plays on our assumptions about war, gender, morality, and politics.


      Sweetest Henri,
      I know we promised to be honest,
      one to the other, but your recent missive,
      though welcome as any epistle from you,
      filled me with a dread that clung
      like dampness to wet wood. I am terrified
      for your immortal soul, dear sweet Henri.
      This mad war of Lincoln is infecting you
      with a sickness too depraved to even address. . .

      Abani’s writing is ruthless, at times traumatic, and consistently filled with surprising twists and turns.

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