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spinesinaline's review
3.0
Thank you to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
With a theme like grief, you know to expect some pretty hard-hitting messages and this poet proves he’s more than capable of handling this topic. This collection is really powerful and evocative, and each poem has something important to say. If you’ve had personal experiences with grief as I’m sure many people have, it may be tough reading some of these poems but I think the poet does a really great job in discussing these feelings.
A few of my favourites that really struck a chord were Postpartum, Alight, and Teething. Some weren’t to my taste, especially those that were more disturbing, but I did enjoy reading each one. I especially enjoyed reading the titles of each poem, as many of them had a clear connection to the main theme even from this first “line”, like A Dead Boy Distinguishes Proximal from Distal, Bone River, and Preparations Have Been Made. Obviously the poet has a lot of creativity at his disposal.
One thing I thought was missing in this collection was an intro of some sort at the beginning. I like to get to know the poet more than trying to uncover the meanings of their poems so I would’ve liked some kind of lead-in, either setting up the following poems or explaining the poet’s motives. Just something to give me some kind of insight as to what to expect.
This isn’t a particularly high rating for me but I can’t really explain what’s preventing me from giving this collection more stars. It’s more just my personal taste in poetry and I couldn’t fully connect with these poems. I think poetry is really down to individual taste so I definitely don’t think my rating should reflect on what yours may be. There are very powerful poems in this collection and I think you’re sure to find something you like within it.
With a theme like grief, you know to expect some pretty hard-hitting messages and this poet proves he’s more than capable of handling this topic. This collection is really powerful and evocative, and each poem has something important to say. If you’ve had personal experiences with grief as I’m sure many people have, it may be tough reading some of these poems but I think the poet does a really great job in discussing these feelings.
A few of my favourites that really struck a chord were Postpartum, Alight, and Teething. Some weren’t to my taste, especially those that were more disturbing, but I did enjoy reading each one. I especially enjoyed reading the titles of each poem, as many of them had a clear connection to the main theme even from this first “line”, like A Dead Boy Distinguishes Proximal from Distal, Bone River, and Preparations Have Been Made. Obviously the poet has a lot of creativity at his disposal.
One thing I thought was missing in this collection was an intro of some sort at the beginning. I like to get to know the poet more than trying to uncover the meanings of their poems so I would’ve liked some kind of lead-in, either setting up the following poems or explaining the poet’s motives. Just something to give me some kind of insight as to what to expect.
This isn’t a particularly high rating for me but I can’t really explain what’s preventing me from giving this collection more stars. It’s more just my personal taste in poetry and I couldn’t fully connect with these poems. I think poetry is really down to individual taste so I definitely don’t think my rating should reflect on what yours may be. There are very powerful poems in this collection and I think you’re sure to find something you like within it.
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