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ellielabbett's review
4.0
Quite a personal selection of poems which takes the reader along a journey of growing from childhood and into adulthood. Coelho gives voice to the darker times that many children and young adults will experience, including break downs of parental relationships and struggles with bullying. To me, there seemed to be an edge of maturing too soon, with a stronger awareness of reality in the light of unsettled beginnings in life. Very powerful imagery which is at times direct but often borderlines into being more obscure; I loved that he left plenty of room for the reader to experiment with meaning. This was only extended through Milner's almost abstract illustrations, which suited the writing and themes so perfectly. To me, it felt like Coelho was telling the story of escape and rebirth after leaving the Tower Block in which he grew up. Very cathartic and filled with heavy emotion.
mat_tobin's review
5.0
What a powerful collection. There were so many strong images throughout that many of these poems will stay with me for a long time - all supported by Milner's affecting illustrations. From parent separation to bullying to trying to find your own identity; Coelho's collection is a bildungsroman of sorts or, the road to taking that spiritual leap (we find in this collection that is the poet's escape to University and the world of books that saves him). So many strong themes throughout and subjects around family and distance will resonate so strongly with some readers. Accomplished.
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