Review of Shadows

[Veronica Knox]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Shadows" by William Stephen Edwards.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Shadows by William Stephen Edwards is an expertly crafted and earnestly written testament to a life thoroughly and adventurously lived. His poems touch on every topic of human importance, from love, to war, to long-since past regrets. He weaves a timeless recollection of memories that feel like experiencing a whole life through a series of dreams that dip in and out of adulthood, love, fear, and more. He has managed to beautifully capture the whole of human emotion in just 333 pages. In addition to its neatly laid out narrative and language, it is also incredibly well-written. Though Edwards does occasionally intentionally neglect standard punctuation in pursuit of realness and relatability, it is done with great intentionality and success. I found no mistakes or errors of any other variety; further proving the care and attention put into the creation of this book. On account of its clarity, genuinity, voracious honesty, and enticing imagery I would give this book a heartfelt 5 out of 5. Edwards has captured the depth and variety of the well-loved poet, John Greenleaf Whittier, with the succinctness, emotion, and accessibility of Rupi Kaur. I must also give a nod to his ability to sculpt even the most painful, frightening, and melancholic imagery without making use of overwhelming vulgarity or over-explanation. It is clear to me that Edwards has found the equilibrium between achieving his desired effect on the reader, while also not making anything too obvious or obscene, allowing the reader to find much of their own meaning within his work. Many of his poems hold hidden wisdom and applications beyond their content, particularly in dealings with the continuous ups and downs of relationships and processing emotions. William Stephen Edwards is a sage of multiplicity and sentimentality, who has been gifted with both the talent of poetry and advertence.

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Shadows
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