​Book Review: 'Strands of Struggle' written by Brenda Christie (Poetry), Independently published​ (Dec 31 2020)

Once upon a time, there was a girl who devoured books like they were sustenance for the soul and she grew and grew and grew, her mind made up of words and phrases and scenes and characters, inevitably spilling her own ink and creating poetry reflecting her own thoughts and vivid imagination.

Let's discuss STRANDS OF STRUGGLE, a compilation of poetry I recently devoured in one sitting by Indie writer, Brenda Christie.  ​

Strands of Struggle by author, Brenda Christie

​​I personally believe it is important that as writers, we give a platform to other writers, especially strong, Indie authors who deserve to have their work read by avid readers who appreciate innate talent.  Brenda Christie is one such talent deserving of our attention.

I purchased Brenda's STRANDS OF STRUGGLE in January 2021, via Amazon Canada in paperback format.  It contains 98 poems, spread out in 101 pages and the book is light in weight, 145 g - easy to carry around and compact enough to place in a bag or purse. The book features a matte, satin finish, black, front and back cover with the title boldly written at the top portion of the book and the author's name set in smaller type at the lower end of the book. The middle, lower left of the book cover features a photo of what looks to be strings, a small hook and a female figure with bare feet and arms extended upwards gingerly floating amidst tiny stars.  The title and image on the cover compliment each other,  conveying a struggle, an uncertainty, a tangible pensiveness.  The female figure looks as if she is not sure of her place in the world.  The cover speaks volumes, revealing that before you turn the page and delve into the text of the book, the subject within the covers is not flighty, but rather brimming with strong emotions, tackling serious issues.

When I sit down to read a book, especially a book containing poetry, I want to be moved. I want my emotions and thoughts to be disturbed.  I want to feel underneath and outside of my skin. I want to connect with the ideas I am presented with in a natural manner. I want to expand my thinking and continue thinking long after I have closed the book. 

Reading STRANDS OF SRUGGLE my emotions became unravelled. A whole plethora  of feelings snaked through me, touching on nerves, filling up my thought process with questions and wonderment.  Ms. Christie expertly expounds on subjects such as animal rights, motherhood, activism, bullying, crime victims, and the blistering mind-slap that was 2020 (due to Covid-19).

How hauntingly beautiful are Ms. Christie's words in her poem, Pain Of The Moon:
"We will walk a million miles
to save a million lives and
the sky will be full of stories
told by the stars that hold the universe
together."

The imagery created by Ms. Christie in her poem, Crated Torture, paints a detailed picture:
"Last night I saw a butterfly
fade into the sunset of clouds
dragging a rainbow across a dancing
garden of petals kissing the sky."

Ms. Christie's ode to activism is felt strongly in her poem, Go Vegan For Regan:
"An extraordinary activist and human being.
All the love she held
will remain here on earth for all
the voices of the voiceless
and the rights for animals 
that she risked her life for."

Brenda Christie's writing style is raw, her emotions and thoughts unchained, allowed to give free reign to the wellspring of her feelings that are at the root of her every poem. This is not a vain effort on Ms. Christie's part. She speaks her truth in each poem as she she sees it through her own eyes. Ms. Christie does not write with a light tone, her work is serious in nature, deeply thought provoking and a must read for poetry lovers all over the world.   

​This one is a keeper in my personal library.

SPECIAL NOTES:

• You can purchase a copy of Brenda Christie's Strands of Struggle​ by clicking HERE
• You follow Brenda Christie via her Instagram account by clicking HERE
• You can follow Brenda Christie on her Goodreads account by clicking HERE

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I was not requested to do this review. I did it of my own volition, volunteering my views in an effort to bring the author and potential reader together.

If you read a book, please remember to leave a review on any site of your choosing.  It acts as an incentive for other readers to purchase an author's book.  Writers are super appreciative of this kind act.

Book Review: Strands of Struggle ​written by Brenda Christie

Copyright (C) 2021  Mary-Lisa Russo

Author

​You have stumbled into the writing world of Mary-Lisa Russo, an avid storyteller observing the universe around her and her humble place amongst the stars. “Excerpts From The Wandering Mind” is Mary-Lisa’s first collection of poems and she is currently working on her next book, a compilation of romantic poetry. She is a university graduate h​aving majored in English Literature and continues to nurture her ongoing writing education at a local college and other educational avenues. She is a member of the Ontario Poetry Society and various writers’ groups.  She enjoys reading and giving a voice to fellow authors.

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