I have read and reviewed many books last month, but I have to make a special mention of these two, as they are different from the usual books, and I would highly recommend them to all book lovers.

Maggie Watson’s profoundly personal poetry, ‘Wildflower’ inspires and empowers all those who find themselves in an abusive relationship. She assures that it is possible to escape, to seek a healing path, and move on.

When she says, “I still sob my heart out,” “I still doubt myself.” She highlights the agony and the irreparable psychological distress that persists.

The imagery in ‘Once Upon a Time, Someone Stripped The Bark from My Tree’ is stunning! But in the same breath, she says, “I am not bullet-ridden. I am a survivor. I have risen from the flames.” Though scalded and scarred, she holds hope and calls upon all those who are naive, who have been eager to please others, to have courage and rise against their tormentors. Healing may take time, but the “will to survive” can steer us through life’s storms.

Whether they were the jagged edges of rocks or the thorns that tore through her breast,  or she was thrown off balance into the deep waters, she knows she has the resilience to flounder and rise. The one who considers “darkness as her guide” and “tears as diamonds,” she has to be a “warrior” of life. Written in a  straightforward style, each poem is loaded with the power of a bullet that can pierce your heart. 

With mind-blowing imagery and persistence of a bull, Watson exhorts you to be a “lioness” like her to carve your own future. A powerful and emotional poetry with meaningful messages.

‘Tales From the Irish Garden:The Missing Pieces’ is like a whiff of fresh breeze, lifting us from the mundane world of thrillers and murder mysteries, transporting us to the magical world of love, kindness, and peace. Here, in the garden of the Emerald Island, meet with the Storyteller – the character, who holds various threads of the stories together. Cronin weaves them into a magical garland, and the link sounds realistic despite the fantasy backdrop. Anyone who comes to the Storyteller’s garden finds comfort, solace and confidence to face the world.

Characters are of utmost importance in all the stories and each one shines under the pen of Cronin. She doesn’t need to describe them, as their emotions and reactions are enough to tell about them. It is a marvel how Bebechat (a cat) becomes a part of characterisation and holds your attention with real human feelings. 

While reading the stories, you get sucked into the power of positivity floating in the vibrant garden of the Storyteller, bask in the glory of his sanctuary, inhale the fragrant air, enjoy the music created by Ramon, and devour the homemade scones and cakes baked by Lilah. Also, enjoy the weddings! You have to read this book to visit the spectacular sanctuary.

Happy reading! Thank you.

Have you checked  Beyond the Fetters? It is a poignant and engaging story of cultural compulsions and emotional deluge.