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A review by redwrapped
Harbinger: Poems by Shelley Puhak
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
Harbinger is a courageous exploration into feminity, motherhood, personality and self, and artistry. Each poem functions as a portrait of a moment in time or a small whisper about a state of mind or physical being. Not a single poem missed the mark; each can be tied together to form a full portrait of a person. The theme is stuck to, and the author carries it with pure gravitas and craft.
The quality of each poem is the same as the one proceeding it, and the one that follows. Which doesn't mean that they are benign or basic. The quality is adhered to throughout the collection, which is its strength. The author's voice and tone is strong, and a unique sort of indent across each poem. I loved all of the unconventional views and expressions, all of the unusual ways of capturing a "portrait" of someone. For example: Portrait of the Artist as a Pipe, and Portrait of the Artist as a Squirrel.
Each poem is done in the style of a confessional poem, often reminiscent of the dense, weaving imagery that sticks in your mouth, designed to be read aloud that will remind you of Sylvia Plath and Anne Sexton at their best.
Thanks to Ecco and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The quality of each poem is the same as the one proceeding it, and the one that follows. Which doesn't mean that they are benign or basic. The quality is adhered to throughout the collection, which is its strength. The author's voice and tone is strong, and a unique sort of indent across each poem. I loved all of the unconventional views and expressions, all of the unusual ways of capturing a "portrait" of someone. For example: Portrait of the Artist as a Pipe, and Portrait of the Artist as a Squirrel.
Each poem is done in the style of a confessional poem, often reminiscent of the dense, weaving imagery that sticks in your mouth, designed to be read aloud that will remind you of Sylvia Plath and Anne Sexton at their best.
Thanks to Ecco and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.