Here is my first ARC poetry reading; I feel very lucky I got early access to this poetry collection because, beyond words, it reminded me art can convey feelings. A great job from the publishing house, and one more time, poetry proves to be a safe space for all hearts.
Author
A poet, creator, designer and artist from her home in Chicago Wilder transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary ones through her words and imagery. Her passion for art started at an early age and continues today.
Overview
Eclipse is a magical love story between the sun and the moon. This poetry collection chases the impossible love in the sky above us—two natural beings who love each other but can only touch during an eclipse.
The book’s lyricism reflects the same timing between the day and night. A love so strong that sometimes mirrors the human complexities, the physical space between two souls that yearn to be together.
But beyond words, Eclipse is an amazing collection of art; graphic design of a book is taken to a new level. Artists and readers, this is a book for you, a tragic love story, but then again, isn’t all love tragic?
Personal Thoughts
Eclipse is a poetry collection that at first might appear one-dimensional, only focusing on the love story the author wants to portray between the sun and the moon. However, in poem after poem, the love becomes human. There were several instances in which one could interpret the moon and sun as objects beyond their natural properties and turn into two individuals in love.
The poetry is not quite filled with the sentiment I was expecting. By the end, I thought there was an error in printing because I could recognize similar poems in theme and lyricism. But then, what makes me want to pick up this collection again? The graphic artist deserves a round of applause, page after page, I wanted to discover new images, and through this art, I found the feeling the words couldn’t carry.
Overall, I would recommend this to all poetry lovers, especially those lost in translation-long-distance couples; here is an author who understands what you are going through.
Plot & Structure 8/10
I’ve read some poetry books that are arranged chronologically. However, I was gladly surprised when I discovered this poetry collection was divided by different perspectives. We get to experience the feelings of the sun and the moon separately. But always with the stars in between. If you are a beginner poetry reader, the pace could feel messy at the beginning, but that’s when the graphics almost serve as a passive narrator.
Unanswered Questions 8/10
The only question I have after reading this collection is why publishers don’t invest more in graphic design. However, I recognize this instance is different since Wilder is an amazing artist. But I can’t help but feel the public would receive all poetry books better if they had the magic contained in this one.
Voice 8/10
ITough Wilder has a distinctive voice, which has an art influence. Lately, I can see a shift in poetry where modern poets have a similar tone. Is that something bad? Not necessarily, it just means the new generation is now getting a chance to be piblised. I would only keep my eye on the market to avoid a repetition.
Personal Note
To truly appreciate this book is by putting on a Gracie Abrams playlist and being ready to open your heart, letting the tears fall.