As a reviewer for The Book Dragon, I was given a copy of this book to offer an honest review.
Just to let any potential readers know, this book contains explicit material and should be read only by adults who are comfortable reading about drug-taking and physical abuse.
A collection of poetry covering the writer’s childhood, charting the physical and mental abuse he suffered throughout it.
At times, the poetry is visceral and challenging to read, given the subject matter involved, but just because something is upsetting, and unsettling, does not mean we should look away. On the contrary, only by confronting such issues can there be any hope of addressing and eradicating them.
The author admits in his book that he found the writing experience cathartic, and one can only wish him well.
The poetry itself is good and paints a vivid picture of the abuse he suffered. It takes you on a painful journey from his first recollections towards his mid-teens.
While not a fan of non-rhyming poetry, I realise that many people are. However, I was often impressed by the author’s word selection and imagery, and I have therefore given it 4 stars; as I said, this style of poetry is not to my taste, but this should in no way deter you if this modern style is your preferred choice.
