ARA Review by M. M. Elmendorf Hopson of isithunzi

[M. M. Elmendorf Hopson]

[Following is an OnlineBookClub.org ARA Review of the book, isithunzi.]

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

5 out of 5 stars Isithunzi: #aBrknPoet Dark Musings Poetry by Stuart Brkn Johns is a beautiful masterpiece! The sombre timbre throughout the book carry the weight of a soul that’s survived a great many sorrows, be they inflicted from external or internal forces.

The rhyme schemes vary, the descriptions are always vivid, and the author even cleverly uses the structure of the poem to create effect. “Stargazer” is a particular favorite of mine among the poems, with my favorite line being, “In my solitude, I find the truth in words, I have written, read & spoken.” So often, we overlook the necessity of self-reflection, yet this line perfectly encapsulates that reality!

Though many of the poems are more abstract in nature than those who are fans of the traditional sense of poetry may prefer, the content is riveting. This is not high-brow poetry, the kind you remember arguing about the meaning of in your old literature classes. There is no candy fluff poem in this book. Only the meat and potatoes kind of poetry. It is real.

The title of the book is a Zulu word for “shadow” and this is an aptly chosen title as it reflects not only on the thematic elements within the book but also the ready fact that these poems and musings of the author reflect many of the comman man’s thoughts and feelings.

Brkn Johns has managed to capture some of the thicker, heavier thoughts that bump around in my hearts and minds in the dark of the night or the dreariest of days. The ink-blood of his poetry sings of pain, survival, determination, and a kind of vulnerability.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed Pillow Thoughts by Courtney Peppernell or Please Don’t Leave before I get better by Madisen Kuhn.

***
View isithunzi on Bookshelves