From The Ashes: Poems From Poisonous Love Affairs – Book Review
From The Ashes: Poems From Poisonous Love Affairs by Laura-Marie Jenks is a brave and incredibly poignant collection that turns suffering into poetry. Every line is an example of tenacity, a genuine and unvarnished portrayal of overcoming poisonous relationships and regaining one’s own light.
I love poetry, and I was so grateful to receive a review copy of this poetry collection from the author so that I could appreciate her words, and share my thoughts with you here.
Jenks provides an embrace for people who have traveled similar paths through her writings, in addition to sharing her personal journey to recovery. It is hard not to relate to the intensity of her experience because of the raw and potent emotions in these pages.
Her poetry will provide comfort to readers who have experienced betrayal, loss, or emotional scars because they serve as a reminder that hope and courage may emerge even in the most difficult circumstances.
For the author, this poetry was her therapy, and that is something I truly understand. I’ve been there myself, and poetry was my solace in the storm. Someone who often had her voice taken from her, she found freedom in finally being able to speak her truth. I imagine it was as much an empowering process to write as it is to read.
Be aware of content warnings going in. The words within deal with difficult subject matters. But as the author says, “Depression, self-harm, sexual assault, rape, pain, despair – these are the heartbreaking experiences that many of us have faced.” If you can relate, you may find this poetry healing, as well. But please put your personal wellbeing and health first and if you don’t feel you’re in a good place to read about these things, wait until you are.
This collection serves as a lighthouse. The message of that hand is, “You’re not alone.” You are worthy of love, health, and happiness. You can come out the other side of this stronger. If you have ever been stuck in the shadows of a painful past, From the Ashes will serve as a reminder that there is always hope.
Another little touch I loved? There’s a playlist at the front of the book, which just happens to have some of my favorite artists in it. I definitely put this together as a Spotify playlist so that I could experience while reading the poems. It also has some lovely artwork throughout.
It’s very hard to pick a favorite poem – so many of them speak to me. But Dancing demons, Caged, and Consequences are some of my top favorites.
I am forever changed for reading this collection and I know I will want to go back and read some of them again and again.
You can get your own copy on Amazon in paperback and hardcover editions.
Author ~ Laura-Marie Jenks
Artwork ~ Hannah Giles