I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Author and poet Andrew LaFlechce shares a heartfelt and honest poetry collection in the book “MedEvac.” 

The Synopsis

From award-winning author and veteran Andrew Lafleche, MedEvac is a raw and reflective poetry collection. It delves into the harrowing realities of combat in Afghanistan, the anguish of divorce, the loss of a child, and the destructive force of alcoholism. With brutal honesty and unflinching introspection, Lafleche captures the weight of grief and the search for meaning, both in life and in faith. In MedEvac, poetry becomes a vehicle for self-examination and spiritual reflection, making it a powerful read for those familiar with trauma.

“I will not cry here, at least

I cannot let him see me cry in this place, even

though I’ve come to learn that being a man

isn’t the ability to hold back tears, rather,

understanding the things in life which matter

most when lost will make you weep. Still,

brave for him, faking it for me. “I knew you’d

come, daddy. They told me you might not

make it in time, whatever that meant. But

I knew you’d come.”

—MedEvac

Written with heartsick honesty, the collection concludes in collision with an acceptance that will break your heart. It offers refuge for those who wish to find peace:

The Review

The wellspring of emotion that this collection inspires is gut-wrenching and heartfelt, speaking with an intensity and honesty that is truly impactful. Each poem’s imagery paints an emotional picture in the reader’s mind, allowing these haunting themes to give beautiful life on the page.

The Themes, of course, are this collection’s driving force, covering everything from grief, war, alcoholism, divorce, and so much more. The personal and honest nature of the poems allows these themes to rise and delve into the heart of what it means to be human, never once shying away from the messy side of these painful memories yet using an artist’s mind to find beauty in the chaos. Through that chaos and beauty, the writer finds a universally beloved voice everyone can relate to, naturally connecting the author’s experiences to the reader.

The Verdict

Memorable, honest, and emotionally driven, author Andrew LaFleche’s “MedEvac” is a must-read poetry collection. The heartfelt delivery of each poem, the relatability of the poems and their powerful themes, and the way the author has given life to the buried pain and grief so many share in life made this a remarkable collection that is not to be missed. Be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Andrew LaFleche is the award-winning poet and novelist from St. Catharines, Ontario. He served under Operation Enduring Freedom during the Afghanistan War. Following his duty as an infantry soldier in the Canadian Armed Forces, Lafleche received an M.A. in Creative and Critical Writing from the University of Gloucestershire. He is inspired by the philosophy that when young men become readers, they become better men.