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In Anecdotal Evidence, Wendy Cope’s first collection of poems since Family Values (2011), Cope places a distinct focus on personal history and the passing of time. She deftly employs her signature concise, pithy style to great effect. Despite it being seven years since her last full publication of poems, Cope still retains a keen eye for the various mundanities of daily life, an attribute which pervaded much of her early poetry. Cope’s poetry speaks volumes on themes including marriage and familial loss, and her bracingly personal style immediately draws readers in to her interior world. Her succinct and plain-spoken approach to poetry is juxtaposed by these often quite complex themes. Standout poems in Anecdotal Evidence include “On Sonnet 18” and “Shakespeare at School”, which offer historical re-imaginings of Shakespeare’s early life and work. Cope’s use of humour in her writing challenges many preconceived notions about poetry being serious and sombre, and it makes for a refreshing change from other contemporary poets, many of whom don’t utilise humour to the same extent.

Overall, Anecdotal Evidence is an enjoyable piece of work from a widely celebrated poet. There are certain weaknesses – Cope’s intense focus on details of her personal life could be potentially alienating for uninitiated readers. However, on the whole, it is a funny collection of poems that is easy to read and process.