"An ultimately life-affirming book that speaks of survival and love."
Julie Hesmondhalgh

Giving voice to the voiceless, Burnt Ice Cream details the struggles associated with illness, caring roles, growing up in poverty and a related lack of opportunity. In this excellent debut collection of poetry, Candi Martin draws attention to the most vulnerable within our local communities as well as detailing her own story: from working class child to artist and educator. Amongst communities persevering and holding each other up, Burnt Ice Cream gives a fluent snapshot into individual hardships and dreams: those everyday moments, often ignored.

"Poetry that sings and screams against injustice. In this visceral, raw, controlled work we taste, touch, smell and feel everything the poet describes - language in technicolour. Burnt Ice Cream will stay with you, long after reading."
Helen Mort, Poet

"Martin invokes another time and place with school days, Silk Cut and moon magick, with food banks and a lack of support for societies most vulnerable, to bridge then to the present, where many still find themselves today."
Fiona Hutchings, Author of Uncommon Labels