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juliettesebock's review
5.0
*I received a copy of Kailey Tedesco’s LIZZIE, SPEAK for review purposes. As always, this review reflects only my honest thoughts on the book.*
I first heard about Lizzie, Speak months ago when Kailey mentioned it on Twitter. I’ve always been fascinated by Lizzie Borden and her alleged crime (what do you think–did she do it?), so when I saw that Kailey was engaging with Lizzie and the mythos surrounding her, I knew it was a book I would have to check out. Fortunately, White Stag Publishing was kind enough to offer a review copy, which made my reading and reviewing possible (thank you, White Stag!).
Needless to say, my expectations were met, if not exceeded, by this phenomenal collection. I forced myself to slow down my reading and spread the book out over more than a week rather than read through it in a day. It was so hard to put down! Still, I’m glad I let myself experience that first read over time to take it all in. Plus, it just means there will be a faster reread coming soon!
*full review on Pencils & Pages*
I first heard about Lizzie, Speak months ago when Kailey mentioned it on Twitter. I’ve always been fascinated by Lizzie Borden and her alleged crime (what do you think–did she do it?), so when I saw that Kailey was engaging with Lizzie and the mythos surrounding her, I knew it was a book I would have to check out. Fortunately, White Stag Publishing was kind enough to offer a review copy, which made my reading and reviewing possible (thank you, White Stag!).
Needless to say, my expectations were met, if not exceeded, by this phenomenal collection. I forced myself to slow down my reading and spread the book out over more than a week rather than read through it in a day. It was so hard to put down! Still, I’m glad I let myself experience that first read over time to take it all in. Plus, it just means there will be a faster reread coming soon!
*full review on Pencils & Pages*
exorcismofemilyreed's review
4.0
"these girls / talk of death like they know it / like they've always been full of it.
3.5⭐
Lizzie, Speak was my introduction to Kailey Tedesco's work. As soon as I heard about this book of Lizzie Borden poetry, I had to have a copy. That amazing cover also grabbed my attention!
This book was not exactly what I expected. I've read a couple other horror / true crime poetry collections, and this one Ness quite different. Lizzie has more of a muse position in this book instead of the poems actually being about her. I think the poems are mainly from the writer's perspective of being connected to the spirit of Lizzie, but I'm still not entirely sure.
I was confused about what exactly was going on. Some poems are in the past, and some are in modern times. It kept jumping around (I think). I feel like I was confused for most of this book, but I still liked it. Kailey's writing is gorgeous and descriptive, and I especially loved the horror-based poems. The imagery is descriptive and haunting, and I loved being in the dark little world of this collection.
There are close to 40 poems in this book, so there was quite a bit to dig into. Not all of them worked for me, but I enjoyed most of them. My top 5 poems were I Am a Castle / I Am a Bride, I Am Lost / I Am Cursed, Lizzie is Trapped in a Woman in Peril Picture, I Remain Unforgiven on This Side of the Veil, and Make Me Spindly. I had a lot of fun with these ones.
I wish that I would have connected with the book a little more as a whole, but it was still entertaining. I'm glad I decided to check it out, and I would read more from this poet.
3.5⭐
Lizzie, Speak was my introduction to Kailey Tedesco's work. As soon as I heard about this book of Lizzie Borden poetry, I had to have a copy. That amazing cover also grabbed my attention!
This book was not exactly what I expected. I've read a couple other horror / true crime poetry collections, and this one Ness quite different. Lizzie has more of a muse position in this book instead of the poems actually being about her. I think the poems are mainly from the writer's perspective of being connected to the spirit of Lizzie, but I'm still not entirely sure.
I was confused about what exactly was going on. Some poems are in the past, and some are in modern times. It kept jumping around (I think). I feel like I was confused for most of this book, but I still liked it. Kailey's writing is gorgeous and descriptive, and I especially loved the horror-based poems. The imagery is descriptive and haunting, and I loved being in the dark little world of this collection.
There are close to 40 poems in this book, so there was quite a bit to dig into. Not all of them worked for me, but I enjoyed most of them. My top 5 poems were I Am a Castle / I Am a Bride, I Am Lost / I Am Cursed, Lizzie is Trapped in a Woman in Peril Picture, I Remain Unforgiven on This Side of the Veil, and Make Me Spindly. I had a lot of fun with these ones.
I wish that I would have connected with the book a little more as a whole, but it was still entertaining. I'm glad I decided to check it out, and I would read more from this poet.
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