A distinguished single-author poetry collection in free verse. The poet is serious in understanding people, relationships, languages, cultures, religions and the meaning of existence. She has lived in Taiwan, Mainland China, the USA and Germany as well as Hong Kong. Her work reflects these interests.The poems are lyrical and analytical, showing great skill in language. They refer to international and local events and personalities, ideas and philosophies. It is a rich collection. It cannot be read in one sitting but must be savoured over time, and more than once if justice is to be done to the ideas and the means by which they are expressed. Skilfull and attractive colour photographs by the author are included when new sections begin and add a valuable extra dimension to the work as a whole."Birgit Linder's Shadows in Deferment conveys tremendous range in the service of a poetic intention which, across an impressive body of work, holds her reader fast." - Stuart Christie, Professor, Dept of English Language and Literature, Hong Kong Baptist University."Birgit Linder offers a collection of deeply engaged and engaging poems, labyrinthine paths to track and weave. Behind these poems: a bricoleur's appetite and passion for life. Behind the passion: there's no doubt, a determined, curious and luminous mind." - Mary-Jane Newton, author of Unlocking and Of Symbols Misused."In The Longest Journey, E. M Forster writes of 'the union of shadow and adamant that men call poetry'. At her best, Linder is able to realize this impossible pairing, endowing the unbearable lightness of words with enduring diamond force." - Simon Patton, literary translator and poet.