I normally don't go after poetry books but this was different, it was so well done and did everything that I hoped for in a great poetry book. I loved the concept and I loved the way it was written. Louise Worthington does a great job in telling a collection and I'm glad I read this.

I was not that interested in this book as I thought I would be. It’s good, but it’s just not for me. Some of the wording is hard to read because of the way it is written.

"I leave this wreath to victims: Black flowers for their secrets and blue forget-me-nots. Strelitzia, the Bird of Paradise, for its promise, Poppies for love, A white Christmas rose for all the celebrations denied."

This is a hard book of poetry to read. It's pretty dark. But that's what drew me to it. Some of these are just so sad. And the one titled remember the dead was the saddest. Seeing all their names and what they died from.

This isn't for everyone but it is worth picking up

I was granted a copy of this from NetGalley for an honest review

This poetry collection is one dedicated to True Crime in his victims. Add points it’s consoling Annette others disquieting but all or exploring the mini feelings of victims during and after the crimes. I found this poetry collection to be poignant, touching and respectful. During the exploration and examination of these crimes one comes to understand as much as you can, the devastation one act can wield. When I first read the summary for this book I was a little bit dubious about how one can write poetry for crimes and its victims, but I have totally been educated and found this book to be so touching and dare I say it important. This is truly a great addition to our literature and poetry and anyone who loves either should gladly add this book to the library. I received this book from NetGalleyShelf and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

3.5/5⭐️

As a Criminal Justice major with a minor in Women’s and Gender studies who is an avid reader, this dark poetry book immediately appealed to me as an intersection of all my interests and it did not disappoint.

These poems are a collection of stories and statements concerning women and the criminal justice system, particularly abused women, women who have been wrongly convicted, and the children of these women who must live with the consequences. It is a powerful statement on domestic abuse, the treatment in and revicitmization of women by the criminal justice system, and the intergenerational impacts these events have.

My favorite poems include White on Red, Anxiety, Ghost Breath, and Loss but I also appreciated the poems based in true stories and those simply sharing the names of women who have been ignored/silenced/forgotten.

I did find the font of the book mildly annoying and distracting. I know how to read cursive but I know a lot of young people these days don’t and it made it a little harder to read on a screen. It might be different on paper, however.

In summary, this is an excellent book to pick up if you enjoy poetry and are interested in women’s experiences with violence and the justice system.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I found these poems which are inspired by true crime to be highly satisfying. Much better than I expected them to be, for something I’d never encountered before. I just found them evocative and stirring, perhaps due to my grief and lack of sleep but I like them just the same.

Packing, Mother Earth, Survival of an Empath were my favorite poems from this collection. The writing was beautiful and easy to digest, even for me, someone who does not often dabble in poetry.

I devoured this collection in one sitting... am I the black widow?