Book recommendation: The Smallest of Bones
By Holly Lyn Walrath
Published by CLASH Books, Forthcoming September 2021
It’s been…quite some time since I’ve read poetry, even longer (never) since I really dug into horror and dark poetry. I thought I’d give this collection of poems by Holly Lyn Walrath a try, and I am so glad that I did.
The concept is really beautiful, exploring the human experience, sexuality, femininity, relationships, the body, and so much more through different bones. The poems feel like a cohesive bunch, with a clear voice. The writing style is abstract, but not so much that you aren’t able to grab onto pieces and really feel them, deep in your gut.
While not every poem was for me to connect to, most had something about them that held me there in relation to it. Some were certainly better than others, and there were more than a few lines that made me actually quiver inside with how hard they struck.
The e-book ARC I read from NetGalley was a little messy so it jumbled the flow sometimes, but this is a book I could see myself reading again.
Thank you for reminding me that poetry is really something to contend with, and introducing me to the dark beauty you had to offer.
*Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC of this title.
Nikki R. Leigh 