I absolutely loved this collection of poems. They were real, honest, and at times, brutal. I ended up screen shotting many of them to reread and save, since I loved them so much. K.Y. Robinson really wrote her heart out in these poems, which is very brave and empowering. I would encourage every young woman to read these.

This is the first poetry book I read and it completely swallowed me by its depth. It's raw & sensitive at the same time. The poems are nicely divided into parts according to subject. They may be short but very deep. It touches some sensitive subjects hence starts with a trigger warning. Got a bit too much for me at times. Still worth reading.

3.5 stars. As all poetry collections are, each poem in The Chaos of Longing was either a marvel, a flick of the page or a disappointment. I have yet to find a collection that isn't like this, but there have definitely been a few that I was able to relate to a little more because honestly, that's what a lot of poetry comes down to. Whether you understand it and to a greater extent, whether it's relatable enough to make you feel something.

For example, this resonates with me but to others it might simply be lines and that's alright.

there a days
you'll wish
to un-breathe
every breath,

Of course, even if you don't relate to a poem it is still possible to enjoy it or appreciate the language that has been used. There's no denying that there are some very clever lines in here but there too few and they're too far apart to truly label this collection as 'clever'. It was a short and enjoyable read though, especially if you focus on the poems that speak to you. Among a couple of others, I particularly like this line:

you hide more
than your bones
when you're inside of me.

Recommended to: people who enjoy reading about sexuality, sensuality and love. those who read books because of the cover. anyone who enjoys poetry (it might be your thing).

Reading the poems felt as though the author knew things about my life that were difficult to go through but have shaped the person I am today. Packed with raw images and emotions, the poems are heartfelt and relatable. I read it all in one sitting. Absolutely loved it!

These poems are the sort of poems that will linger with me for a while. They are vulnerable. They ache. They love too much and receive too little in return. Still, there is power in them, power in naming the pain, power in sharing it and in giving voice to life's cuts and gaping wounds.

In this book of poems, Ms. Robinson does not shy away from the messy and chaotic parts of life. She digs through the wreckage of failed relationships and trauma, offering glimpses of herself seen as if through shards of sea glass, often fractured and broken.

However, the book doesn't end there. She continues on and pushes through the pain to write a sort of guidebook for survival, reaching out her hand and encouraging others to rise up with her like Phoenixes from the ashes.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions written here are my own.

I enjoyed it. There were a few poems that made me stop and almost gasp at the connection, but most fell a bit short for me. Maybe it's my age? Maybe someone younger could connect better? The thing about good poetry is it is indifferant to age.
I did love this:

"i was so preoccupied
with loving you
that i failed
to love myself."
— lost

The Chaos of Longing is a debut poetry and prose collection by K.Y. Robinson, a self-proclaimed introvert writer. Her collection is divided into four parts with all of them exploring different aspects of sexuality and longing, relationships and trauma, self-love and heartache.

The Chaos of Longing is a very raw collection. With its brutal honesty and passion, I understand it is not a collection suited for everyone. While I enjoyed the almost vivid descriptions of sexual scenes, I can understand why someone may have found them uncomfortable. Robinson never shies away from anything and that’s what makes her shine.

A part that really reasonated with me was the sexualization of young girls’ bodies. I grew up early. I was always one of the tallest girls in school, my hips were wider, my breasts were fuller. Men twice my age would stare at me at the street. I had barely finished primary school when some guys in their early twenties flirted with me. These are things I’ve had to live with for far too long, and seeing them depicted on page really meant a lot to me.

I found the third part, Chaos, to be one of the most realistic parts of the entire collection. With a captivating honesty and just a few words, Robinson depicted perfectly unhealthy, toxic relationships and the effect these have on women. Her depiction wasn’t only accurate; it was respectful and authentic, and a part of her poetry that I think is too relatable.

As for the last part? That was cathartic. Highlighting self-love and the importance of healing, Robinson finishes off a powerful collection with a positive, welcoming message.



**An ARC was provided via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review**

Over the past year, poetry has become one of my favourite genres. It has given me words that I can identify with, that I can hold close to my heart and know that I’m not alone. Others feel what I feel, others have gone through similar situations. It’s also showed me different perspectives, points of view that I perhaps wouldn’t have considered. It has opened up a whole new world for me, so I was very excited to read this particular poetry collection as it sounded similar to several other poetry books that I have recently read.

While K.Y. Robinson is undoubtedly a talented writer and her poems are beautiful, I didn’t really feel a connection to the words. It felt like I was a person looking through a window, I could see what was happening inside, but couldn’t do anything to interact with those on the inside. I wasn’t expecting such a sexually themed collection of poetry. I didn’t feel anything about those pieces, but I did enjoy her poems on self-worth, self-love, and self-confidence. The final section of the book was most definitely my favorite and the most enjoyable to read. It reminded me of The Princess Saves Herself in This One and Love, And You, two books I thoroughly enjoyed reading.

So, while I didn’t personally connect with much of the poetry on an emotional level, I am in awe of the author’s honesty. The collection is often brutal and painful, especially the beginning. Robinson has poured out her heart and laid herself bare. This is why you should give this collection a try. I will definitely be picking up her next book because while I wasn’t always emotionally invested in each poem, there was still enough to keep me curious and wanting more.

Not really my kind of poetry, but extremely well written.

I enjoyed reading these poems, it gave me an insight into what it may feel like to be in particularly difficult situations. It is a very sensitive book, and has a trigger warning, and discretion is advised when reading. I really liked Robinson's writing style, and the choice of words was perfect!

From the trigger warning all the way through to the last page, it is not humanly possible for me to be more impressed with this extraordinary author based on her meaningful poetry!

I don't read poetry very often, so I was eager to pick up this collection. The book is divided into four sections - Inception, Longing, Chaos, and Epiphany, and each contained dozens of short, bite-sized poems. The styling and formatting reminded me of Rupi Kaur's Milk and Honey, but unfortunately I didn't find it nearly as engaging or insightful.

Many of the poems felt repetitive, and a few were brimming with cliches. A handful of them are memorable, but the others definitely lacked a creative lyricism that would make a thought in a poem unique. Still, this is a quick book that can be easily read in a single sitting if you're looking for something a little different. However, I doubt I'll pick this one up again.

Sadly this collection was not for. Some really great ones but few and far between the ones that left me uncomfortable. They all flow for me so it's more the subject matter than the poems.

Certain Men for me was the best and really hit home with me having a controlling ex husband.