Bridgett Devoue is a poet who gained popularity by sharing her poetry on Instagram. Her first book, SOFT THORNS, came out in 2017. She is now releasing SOFT THORNS VOL II. Unlike her first book, this one encompasses several relationships and promises to dive deeper than her first publication.
The poetry collection of course uses plenty of flowery imagery (it is called SOFT THORNS after all). The book begins with the concept of hunger for life, but very quickly shifts focus to the heavy disappointments that come with dating. She points out how dating can feel like a constant transaction for temporary validation and how the overinvestment of this transaction leads to the loss of one’s identity. Other themes in the collection include rejection, sexual assault, falling in love with a fantasy, moving on, and nostalgia.
I would’ve liked to see more unique comparisons and imagery, as well as imagery that remained consistent with flowers and nature overall. The brief allusions to angels, demons, and prison felt out of place. The collection does eventually tie back to nature towards the end.
Overall, this collection shows how someone grows in maturity after each relationship. Every poem is easy to read and full of relatable emotions that the audience will connect to instantly.
SOFT THORNS VOL II will be out May 4, 2021.
This post was possible thanks to an audiobook provided for free by the publishers via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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