'The result is The Balcony, with some 70 luminous, highly sensual love poems as well as several elegant hymns to moments of discovery and wonder scattered through them, all leavened by some sharp political satire and ironic wit. It is an electric performance.' Sydney Morning Herald
'Fresh from the esteem rightfully accorded to his demanding novel, The Fern Tattoo, David Brooks has had published his fourth volume of verse, The Balcony. Brooks commands a poetic style that is energetic, exacting, but also happy to be plain.' Canberra Times
'Both Brooks and Holland-Batt command a poetic style that is energetic, exacting, but also happy to be plain. Aria and The Balcony are the sixth and seventh volumes in … "the new-look UQP Poetry Series". All power to the press for this renewed endeavour and commitment to the poets who sail under its flag.' Canberra Times
'Brooks has found a plain style in which to walk naked.' Sydney Morning Herald