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zoemig's review against another edition
3.0
When a final book is released posthumously by a Canadian icon, I obviously had to pick it up, and The Flame by Leonard Cohen even has an audiobook narrated by a diverse cast that includes Margaret Atwood, Seth Rogen, and Michael Shannon. It's a collection of poems, lyrics, and selections from Cohen's many notebooks. There are also a lot of drawings included throughout the collection. I definitely enjoyed the poetry section the most, as I generally find reading lyrics a bit repetitive, and the poetry is definitely the most polished of the writing. Still, it was very interesting to see a glimpse inside Cohen's mind with the excerpts from his journals, and I thought it was really neat when the book included a scan of Cohen's handwritten copy as well.
Overall, Cohen was exceptionally self-aware, and his writing is filled with confessional moments and raw imagery, I just often did find a personal connection to the writing, which is what prevents me from rating it higher. That said, The Flame is definitely a valuable last collection from a Canadian icon, and a worthwhile read for anyone interested in Cohen's work.
Overall, Cohen was exceptionally self-aware, and his writing is filled with confessional moments and raw imagery, I just often did find a personal connection to the writing, which is what prevents me from rating it higher. That said, The Flame is definitely a valuable last collection from a Canadian icon, and a worthwhile read for anyone interested in Cohen's work.
hperks18's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
4.0
eva_k's review
5.0
I’m always rendered speechless whenever I read or hear Leonard Cohen’s brilliant poetry. So glad to have a copy of his book, I’ve been reading through and marking the pages and underlining all my favourite lines ever since I’ve gotten it. I can’t even choose a favourite poem out of them all (although Happens to the Heart is a very strong contender), almost every single poem has my heart either melting or breaking because of the raw intimacy of such strong emotions interlaced with religious tones.
ellaep's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
4.25
I cannot wrap my head around it. If you are reading this review thinking about reading this book, definitely go for it.
toofondofbooks's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
4.0
kkamin3's review
4.0
A book for any Leonard Cohen fan.
Some of my favorites:
If There Were No Paintings
Mary Full of Grace
Happens to the Heart
Unbiblical
Grateful
Listen to the Hummingbird
My Guitar Stood Up Today
Some of my favorites:
If There Were No Paintings
Mary Full of Grace
Happens to the Heart
Unbiblical
Grateful
Listen to the Hummingbird
My Guitar Stood Up Today