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Matthew Rice

@matthew-rice.bsky.social
1.3K followers 1.5K following 334 posts

Poet-PhD-Anti-racist. ‘Plastic’ forthcoming in January 2026 with Fitzcarraldo Editions (UK) & Soft Skull Press (US), available here: www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/79…

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Reposted by Matthew Rice
Independent Lit @independentlit.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Was told someone bought the book because of this review, which is the best response we can ever hope for 💛 ya, literary community
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Matthew Rice @matthew-rice.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
This is a wonderfully insightful and in depth review-essay, and I’m grateful for the deep reading. @independentlit.bsky.social @fitzcarraldoeds.bsky.social @catapultbooks.bsky.social
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Independent Lit @independentlit.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
ICYMI, our latest review ✨
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Fitzcarraldo Editions @fitzcarraldoeds.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
We are pleased to announce our Spring/Summer 2027 Catalogue: fitzcarraldoeditions.com/catalogues/
fitzcarraldoeditions.com
Catalogues | Fitzcarraldo Editions
Released biannually, catalogues outline our forthcoming publications. Spring catalogues include titles publishing between January and July, and Autumn catalogues include titles publishing between Augu...
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Fitzcarraldo Editions @fitzcarraldoeds.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
We are thrilled that MER DE GLACE by Małgorzata Lebda, tr. Mira Rosenthal and PLASTIC by Matthew Rice have both been shortlisted for the 2026 PEN Heaney Prize.
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Matthew Rice @matthew-rice.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
I’m thrilled and grateful to be shortlisted for The PEN Heaney Prize. Thanks to the judges, @englishpen.bsky.social, and above all @fitzcarraldoeds.bsky.social for publishing the book 💙🤍
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Fitzcarraldo Editions @fitzcarraldoeds.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
'Before theme and subject, there is the pure, iridescent beauty of Esfandiari-Denney’s sentences; a singular voice that is alluring and sensuous, pleasurable to follow to whichever subject the poet chooses.' - Oluwaseun Olayiwola on Eve Esfandiari-Denney's debut collection, GIRLING. 🤍💙
theguardian.com
The best recent poetry – review roundup
Fetch by Colin Bramwell; Girling by Eve Esfandiari-Denney; The Dead One, The Unconscious One, Thundering in Your Ear, Thriving Slumber by Jay Gao; Belling the Leopard by Clementine Ewokolo Burnley; Th...
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Matthew Rice @matthew-rice.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
This’ll be good! X
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Independent Lit @independentlit.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Are you sick of every outlet reviewing the same 10 books? Are you dying to read about more books from independent publishers? Omg you're in luck Our first two reviews are out, with another (Plastic by @matthew-rice.bsky.social, @fitzcarraldoeds.bsky.social) out later this month Sign up for free:
independentlituk.substack.com
Independent Lit | Substack
Celebrating the UK's independent literature. For those who read adventurously. Click to read Independent Lit, a Substack publication. Launched a month ago.
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Matthew Rice @matthew-rice.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
🚨 An undercover investigation shown on Channel 4 exposed Reform figures allegedly breaking the law over foreign funding. Now demand a full criminal investigation. Sign the petition. 🔥 you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/in...
you.38degrees.org.uk
Sign the petition to hold politicians to account
Together, we can make sure no one - however rich or powerful they may be - is allowed to take us or our democracy for a ride.
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Matthew Rice @matthew-rice.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
That Anthony Boyle fella has some good reading taste… @fitzcarraldoeds.bsky.social @catapultbooks.bsky.social
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Matthew Rice @matthew-rice.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
:) :)
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Matthew Rice @matthew-rice.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
belfastfleadh.com/events/voici... belfastfleadh.com/events/voici... August 4th at the Fleadh Belfast!
belfastfleadh.com
Voicing the Void Presents - One Memory, five sentences · Olive Tree House
Creative Writing Workshop with Matthew Rice – Belfast Fleadh Join us at our city centre office on Fountain Street for a unique creative writing workshop l…
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Matthew Rice @matthew-rice.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
belfastfleadh.com/events/voici... belfastfleadh.com/events/voici... Join us at the Fleadh Belfast from August 2nd!
belfastfleadh.com
Voicing the Void Presents - Feeling Unseen, Seen – Unheard, Heard · Olive Tree House
Voicing the Void presents Feeling Unseen, Seen – Unheard, Heard,facilitated by local poet Matthew Rice. Matthew joined Voicing the Void as our Creative Wr…
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Matthew Rice @matthew-rice.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Enjoyed this interview with Ben for his wonderful Words That Burn Podcast. Available across all platforms. @fitzcarraldoeds.bsky.social @catapultbooks.bsky.social @wordsthatburn.bsky.social youtu.be/K7wMjgoe3eI?...
youtu.be
An Interview with Belfast Poet Matthew Rice - Factory Life, Gawain, and the Poetry of Labour
YouTube video by Words That Burn
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Fitzcarraldo Editions @fitzcarraldoeds.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
'PLASTIC is a genuine original.' Graeme Richardson reviews PLASTIC by Matthew Rice for @thetimes.com: www.thetimes.com/culture/book...
thetimes.com
The best new poetry — by writers of every age
Graeme Richardson picks brilliant collections from across the UK, by poets of every generation
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Fitzcarraldo Editions @fitzcarraldoeds.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
'On finishing...the reader most vividly recalls Rice’s tender depictions of fellow factory workers. His vignettes at their best generate the expansive solitude of an Edward Hopper painting...' Mathilda Sykes reviews PLASTIC by Matthew Rice in the @thetls.bsky.social: www.the-tls.com/categories/r...
the-tls.com
In Brief Archives
In Brief Archives | TLS
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Matthew Rice @matthew-rice.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Happy to be on the list for best collection. Good luck to everyone on the lists xx
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Matthew Rice @matthew-rice.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
38d.gs/mexd
38d.gs
We pay our dues. They should too.
Amazon made £55 MILLION in profit in the UK last year, but only paid a fraction of what they should in tax. Jeff Bezos is rubbing his hands together, avoiding tax, while we pay our dues. Don't think t...
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Matthew Rice @matthew-rice.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Tech billionaires are getting richer while we pay the price for the real-world harm their platforms cause. The "neutral host" loophole lets them off the hook for pushing dangerous content. MPs are demanding emergency laws to make them pay. Add your name: you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/st...
you.38degrees.org.uk
Sign the urgent petition
Tech billionaires shouldn't get to hide behind a legal loophole while their algorithms push dangerous content for profit. MPs are demanding emergency laws to finally make them liable for the harm they...
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Colman O'Sullivan @colmanos.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
Thousands have turned out for an Anti-Racism rally in Belfast city centre, organised by United Against Racism and supported by Trade Unions
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Matthew Rice @matthew-rice.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
I've signed to show I stand against racist violence in Northern Ireland, and I'm calling on the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to deliver our demands for justice. Will you sign too? my.actnowni.org/petitions/op...
my.actnowni.org
Sign now: Support our demands in response to racist violence in Northern Ireland
I've signed to show I stand against racist violence in Northern Ireland, and I'm calling on the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to deliver our demands for justice. Will you sign too?
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Matthew Rice @matthew-rice.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
tribunemag.co.uk/2026/06/on-t... An honour to be so well read in Tribune. @fitzcarraldoeds.bsky.social @catapultbooks.bsky.social
tribunemag.co.uk
Plastic Pressure On The Factory Floor
A new poetry collection explores the interior life of a factory worker across one night shift in modern day Northern Ireland.
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Jamie Guiney @jamesgwriter.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
Took part in a great event yesterday at Belfast Book Festival with the fabulous @matthew-rice.bsky.social and the team from Fullset Books. 🥳 #BelfastBookFestival2026 #WritersLife
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Matthew Rice @matthew-rice.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
A deep honour to be in the same conversation as Rachel Long, whose work I love. And for the conversationalists to be Alice Hiller and Jane Clarke is the icing. Humbled. poetrysociety.org.uk/jane-clarke-...
poetrysociety.org.uk
Jane Clarke and alice hiller on Matthew Rice and Rachel Long - The Poetry Society
Matthew Rice, Plastic, Fitzcarraldo, £12.99,  ISBN 9781804271421  Rachel Long, Sparrow on the Rooftop, Chatto, £12.99,   ISBN 9781784746582  Refusal as Generation: Milk and Eggs in Strange Places Jane...
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Matthew Rice @matthew-rice.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
xxxx
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David Atkinson @davidatkinsonpoet.bsky.social · 24/05/2026
A wonderful afternoon in @shhomeplace.bsky.social with Annemarie Ní Churreáin and @matthew-rice.bsky.social reading and talking about their work. Generously hosted by Paul Maddern #poetry #poem
Poetry books - hymn to all the restless girls by Annemarie Ní Churreáin and Plastic by Matthew Rice
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Joyce White Vance @joycewhitevance.bsky.social · 17/05/2026
The stories & photos from today’s voting rights marches in Alabama deserve to be seen by people who weren’t able to stand there in person. If this piece moves you, please share it widely & help make sure these voices aren’t lost in the noise of a crowded news cycle. open.substack.com/pub/joycevan...
open.substack.com
Selma Rejects Jim Crow 2.0
Half of the population in Dallas County, Alabama, where Selma is located, was African American in 1965.
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Matthew Rice @matthew-rice.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
In other news, plastic was reviewed in The Sunday Times! :) www.thetimes.com/article/3ec8...
thetimes.com
The best new poetry — by writers of every age
Graeme Richardson picks brilliant collections from across the UK, by poets of every generation
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Matthew Rice @matthew-rice.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
He thinks ‘drugs coming in by sea’ was ‘drugs coming in by see’. He thinks we all thought that too, so ACTUALLY CLARIFIES IT. TWICE in a WEEK. I’m actually shocked. He’s never been smart, but now he’s stupid as well as demented. And this is what the UK is flirting with!!! youtu.be/89hwQCWKug4?...
youtu.be
White House Aides Panicked After TRUMP MENTAL COLLAPSE
YouTube video by Jesse Dollemore
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David Atkinson @davidatkinsonpoet.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
I love the irony in this poem by Matthew Rice from ‘Plastic’. It almost feels like a 21st century equivalent of Blake’s ‘The Chimney Sweeper’ The collection ‘Plastic’ is set during a single twelve-hour factory shift #Poetry #Poemoftheday #internationalworkersday #mayday #workersunite
Poem - '23:01' by Matthew Rice from his collection Plastic
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Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 07/05/2026
30 percent of Americans are against [squints at notes] the Pope urging peace
MS NOW cap of polling showing 66/30 positive/negative for "REACTION TO POPE LEO URGING PEACE, REJECTING WAR"
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Matthew Rice @matthew-rice.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
RIP Carol Rumens. Rocked to see that my poems were the final poems to feature in her iconic column, Poem of the Week. She will be greatly missed. @fitzcarraldoeds.bsky.social @catapultbooks.bsky.social @theguardian.com www.theguardian.com/books/2026/m...
theguardian.com
Carol Rumens, poet and the Guardian’s poem of the week columnist, dies aged 81
The British poet, who also wrote plays, fiction and published poetry in translation, analysed almost 1,000 poems for her much-loved series
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Matthew Rice @matthew-rice.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
belfastbookfestival.com/festival-pro...
belfastbookfestival.com
Come Join Us For The Belfast Book Festival 2026
The Belfast Book Festival features a unique, diverse and highly creative programme.
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Matthew Rice @matthew-rice.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
Eye-opening from Garrison Hayes. youtu.be/JD_4uL06f_s?...
youtu.be
black maga is boring, actually.
YouTube video by Garrison Hayes
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Matthew Rice @matthew-rice.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
youtu.be/xZ1aNComVCM?...
youtu.be
Trump’s Biggest Meatriders Finally Admit He’s as Bad as Everyone Said He Was
YouTube video by The Humanist Report
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George Conway ⚖️🇺🇸 @gtconway.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
This is an excellent summary of current circumstances Kyle Kulinski: “A sundowning president with Alzheimer’s who’s a malignant narcissist is dragging us into WWIII, committing war crimes on a daily basis and crashing the global economy, and nobody is actually grabbing the steering wheel.”
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Garrett Carr @garrettcarr.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
I'm very happy to hear The Boy from the Sea, or rather Le Garçon Venu de la Mer has won the Prix Littéraire des Ambassadeurs de la Francophonie en Irlande. It was great to work with Pierre Bondil on the French translation of the novel. We exchanged many emails during the process.
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Matthew Rice @matthew-rice.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
Looking forward to being in Bristol for the @lyrafest.com with Karen and John next month!
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Cork World Book Fest @corkworldbookfest.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
More about Jessica Traynor @jesstraynor.bsky.social corkworldbookfest.com/writers/jess... More about Matthew Rice @matthew-rice.bsky.social corkworldbookfest.com/writers/matt... More about Keith Payne corkworldbookfest.com/writers/keit...
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Cork World Book Fest @corkworldbookfest.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
the death by suicide of a dear friend, Matthew Rice and Jessica Traynor take us to where poetry ‘seldom goes’, though must, if it is to remain relevant. Visceral, made anew and often darkly humorous, the work of these two poets is the work of loss and then gain.
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Cork World Book Fest @corkworldbookfest.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
Friendship and solidarity; camaraderie and most of all the astutely observed line is what enables these poets to trace the darkest moments, and yes, rising scathed, to breathe much needed air into the claustrophobia of our world. Whether the slow soul-ticking night shift at the plastics factory, or
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Matthew Rice @matthew-rice.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
I’ve been saying this for the best part of the Trump era. Do not fall for the fake ally set up. youtu.be/YHBX-xVS1hg?...
youtu.be
Nazis are CREATING DUPES from Liberals & Leftists Who Should Know Better!
YouTube video by Brittany Page
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Matthew Rice @matthew-rice.bsky.social · 21/03/2026
action.greenpeace.org.uk/arms-embargo...
action.greenpeace.org.uk
Stop British-made weapons being used in Gaza
With each day that passes more lives are lost in this conflict, and weapons sold by the UK are fuelling the fire. British weapons should NOT be used to commit possible war crimes in Gaza.
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Matthew Rice @matthew-rice.bsky.social · 21/03/2026
This is a very cool publication based in Germany and this review of my book by Lewis Johnson is as astute an appraisal of plastic that I’ve read so far. Grateful for it. @zaesurpoesiekritik.bsky.social @fitzcarraldoeds.bsky.social www.zaesur-poesiekritik.de/beitraege/jo...
zaesur-poesiekritik.de
Hell As An Idea Of What Work Could Be – Matthew Rice’s plastic — zæsur.poesiekritik
Lewis Johnson on Matthew Rice long poem about the nigt shifts of an industrial worker in a plastics factory. Health, working conditions, katabatic poetics, literature as contraband in capitalist explo...
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Matthew Rice @matthew-rice.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
38d.gs/9fxf
38d.gs
Keir Starmer: Don't back down over war with Iran
I just signed the campaign calling on Keir Starmer to never back down over the war with Iran
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Mara Wilson @marawilson.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
There’s nothing more obnoxious than when people celebrate being an asshole or “just saying what everyone’s thinking” Yeah, dude, most people have edgy thoughts, and learn to keep them inside. It’s called control. What you’re doing is like being really proud of constantly shitting yourself.
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Matthew Rice @matthew-rice.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
Nice to be on this list with @garrettcarr.bsky.social @penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social global.penguinrandomhouse.com/announcement...
global.penguinrandomhouse.com
There’s a Book for That: Irish Literature
There's a Book for That: Irish Literature #TeamPRH
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Fitzcarraldo Editions @fitzcarraldoeds.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
Announcing our Autumn 2026 Catalogue: fitzcarraldoeditions.com/app/uploads/...
fitzcarraldoeditions.com
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Matthew Rice @matthew-rice.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
Come join us @cuirtfestival.bsky.social in April! www.cuirt.ie/whats-on/poe...
cuirt.ie
Poetry Reading: Dean Browne, Matthew Rice, Kandace Siobhan Walker - Cúirt International Festival of Literature
Cúirt International Festival of Literature – Galway City
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