I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
TRIGGER WARNING: Content in these poems deals with themes of self-harm, including unaliving oneself. Reader discretion is advised.
Author and poet LindaAnn LoSchiavo shares an honest and heartfelt collection of poems directed at a personal loss from suicide in the book “Felones de se.”
The Synopsis
With a sprinkling of dark humor and a full measure of
compassion, “Felones de Se: Poems about Suicide” is
surprising, quirky, and a riveting read. Inspired by actual
suicides, one of them a blood relative, these poems are
resonant, impossibly moving, bittersweet, and strange.
The Review
While a touchy, heartbreaking, and taboo subject, the poet in this book skillfully captures the depth of emotion and confusion that often surrounds the taking of one’s life. The honest depiction of both those who take this action and those left behind in the wake of those decisions will resonate with many people affected by this real-life tragedy. The author captures the complexity and heart surrounding this subject in such a short amount of time.
What stays with the reader the most is the beautiful prose for which the author writes and the stories behind these poems. The collection ranges from personal experiences with a lost loved one to national cases that captured the public eye and more. The artful way the author uses imagery in the writing style of this collection and the haunting dive into the mindset and emotional wave that takes over in those moments will stay with the reader.
The Verdict
Haunting, moving, and engaging, author LindaAnn LoSchiavo’s “Felones de se” is a must-read chapbook and poetry collection. The author’s skill in writing this collection and the sensitive yet honest depiction of this subject will stay with the reader, and the emotional weight will be felt long after the book ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Native New Yorker LindaAnn LoSchiavo, a four time nominee for The Pushcart Prize, has also been nominated for Best of the Net, the Rhysling Award, and Dwarf Stars. She is a member of British Fantasy Society, HWA, SFPA, and The Dramatists Guild.
Books: “A Route Obscure and Lonely” [Elgin Award winner, Wapshott Press]; “Women Who Were Warned” [Cerasus Poetry, 2022], “Messengers of the Macabre” [Audience Askew, 2022, co-written with David Davies], “Vampire Ventures” [Alien Buddha Press, 2023], “Felones de Se: Poems about Suicide” [Ukiyoto Publishing, 2024], “Apprenticed to the Night” [UniVerse Press, 2024], and “Always Haunted: Hallowe’en Poems” [Wild Ink, 2024], winner of The Chrysalis BREW Award for Excellence.
In 2023, her poetry placed as a finalist in Thirty West Publishing’s “Fresh Start Contest” and in the 8th annual Stephen DiBiase contest.
LoSchiavo is a Prohibition Era historian and her Texas Guinan film won “Best Feature Documentary” at N.Y. Women’s Film Fest (Dec. 2021).
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https://linktr.ee/LindaAnn.LoSchiavo
