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Fleur Adcock: Remembering New Zealand’s Beloved Poet

It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to Fleur Adcock, one of New Zealand’s most celebrated poets, who passed away at the age of 90. The older sister of novelist Marilyn Duckworth, Adcock’s literary journey began in England, where she spent much of her childhood before returning to her homeland at the age of 13 in 1947.

Married at the young age of 18 to fellow poet Alistair Te Ariki Campbell, Adcock’s life was marked by creativity and passion. Despite a brief second marriage to writer Barry Crump, she eventually settled in Britain, where she worked as a librarian for 15 years before embarking on a successful career as a freelance writer based in London.

With a poetic style described by renowned Scottish poet Carol Ann Duffy as “deceptively laid-back,” Adcock’s work resonated with readers around the world. Over the course of her career, she published 17 volumes of verse, including the critically acclaimed The Eye of the Hurricane and Hoard.

As she celebrated her 85th birthday in 2019 with the release of Collected Poems, Adcock humbly remarked on the size of her collection, jokingly admitting to becoming “embarrassingly prolific.” Her legacy lives on through her words, which continue to inspire and captivate audiences.

Most recently, an expanded edition of Collected Poems was published by Te Herenga Waka University Press in February of this year, ensuring that Adcock’s poetic brilliance will endure for generations to come.

Who was Fleur Adcock and what was her background?

Fleur Adcock, one of New Zealand’s finest poets, passed away at the age of 90. She was the older sister of the novelist Marilyn Duckworth and spent a significant part of her childhood in England before her family returned to New Zealand when she was 13 years old. This move back to New Zealand shaped her early years and influenced her future as a poet.

What were some significant events in Fleur Adcock’s personal life?

At the age of 18, Adcock married fellow poet Alistair Te Ariki Campbell while she was studying at Victoria University. However, this marriage did not last, and she later married the writer Barry Crump. Unfortunately, this second marriage was short-lived, lasting only five months. After her divorce, Adcock moved to Britain and never returned to live in New Zealand permanently, although she visited often to see her family and give readings.

What was Fleur Adcock’s professional journey like?

Before establishing herself as a renowned poet, Adcock worked as a librarian for 15 years. However, her passion for writing eventually led her to become a freelance writer based in London. In 1964, she published her first collection of poetry, "The Eye of the Hurricane," which marked the beginning of her prolific career as a poet. Over the years, she went on to publish 16 other volumes of verse, showcasing her talent and unique style.

How was Fleur Adcock’s writing style perceived by her contemporaries?

Renowned Scottish poet Carol Ann Duffy described Adcock’s writing style as having a "deceptively laid-back tone," which masked the sharpness and depth of her talent. According to Duffy, reading Adcock’s work was like encountering a razor blade in a peach, highlighting the surprising and profound impact of her poetry on readers.

What were some of Fleur Adcock’s notable achievements in her later years?

In 2019, Adcock celebrated her 85th birthday with the publication of "Collected Poems," a comprehensive collection of her work over the years. This milestone publication confirmed her reputation as a prolific and influential poet. Additionally, an expanded edition of "Collected Poems" was released by Te Herenga Waka University Press in February of the following year, further solidifying her legacy in the world of poetry.

By exploring Fleur Adcock’s personal and professional journey, we can gain a deeper understanding of her life and the impact she had on the literary world. Her unique writing style and powerful poetry will continue to inspire and resonate with readers for generations to come.

Sources: Otago Daily Times