Pedler's style is realist, often fiercely so, with the conviction of one who speaks from experience. There are a number of fascinating poems about surgical instruments; scissors and clips, scalpels, gloves, whiffs of chemicals and disinfectants. As well as the operating theatre there are distant hill farms, pig pens, shearing sheds, stables, milking parlours, and freezing fields on winter nights. Formally the poems are also skilful and diverse.Ilse Pedler's poems in Auscultation, with their cool realism, challenging subject matter, diverse use of classical and free forms and entertaining incidents, are sure to please intelligent, discerning readers.

'Compassion, courage and conciliation are the hallmarks of this lovely, unaffected and affecting first collection.' - Kate Ashton, London Grip Poetry Review
'A book that is both pragmatic and tender, about listening and being listened to, and the types of care we give and receive' - Kim Moore
'Pedler explores the daily dramas and dilemmas of the consulting room, the operating theatre, the field, and brings in wider themes of scientific knowledge, family, fairytales, and belonging.' - Heidi Wiliamson