Official Review: Shadows by William Stephen Edwards

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 01 Aug 2019, 15:24

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Shadows" by William Stephen Edwards.]

3 out of 4 stars

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Shadows by William Stephen Edwards is a diverse collection featuring poetry about a range of topics, including love, relationships, illness, suffering, nature, seasons, spirituality, and war.

The book spans almost 300 pages, and Edwards is a poet who seems comfortable writing from different perspectives. In several of his poems such as "Black Beauty" and "We Were Soldiers,” Edwards shares poignant reflections on Vietnam, while"Hanna Blue" is a heartfelt message to his daughter. In others, he ventures into the spiritual and mythical, writing about Jesus, Hercules, and Xena.

The forms of poetry contained in the book are almost as varied as the topics Edwards writes about. Be it Middle English prose, free verse, or haiku, he is adventurous when it comes to style. The tone and themes of Edwards' poetry are reflective of the seasons in his life. As a veteran, his poems about the war express anger and remorse. During his career as a speech pathologist, the poems about patients are characterized by compassion, while the poems he writes about relationships convey joy, longing, and sorrow.

I particularly liked "Cradle," although the poem is a single stanza, it evoked both a visual and emotional response in me. Based on the title, one might assume the poem was about a baby's cradle or childhood, but instead, it literally described the anticipation of retiring to bed when weary. Edwards compared the movement of the sheet to a billowing parachute in a manner that I could visualize and found relaxing and soothing. Below is the final line of the poem:

"It sweeps away care with a gentle wind
And the darkness is a cradle once again."

On the other hand, I disliked the poems featuring forms of Middle English vocabulary. Although Edwards seemed partial to words such as "'ore” and “hie,” I noticed an editor's notes on a handful of the poems, questioning their use. In response, Edwards specified his choice of the Middle English word rather than replacing it.

Also, the punctuation is inconsistent from poem to poem. I realize that punctuation is sometimes intentionally omitted in poetry. However, if two stanzas are similarly formatted, and only one lacks punctuation, it seems more like an oversight and less intentional. Overall, I rate the book 3 out of 4 stars. It will appeal to poetry lovers, especially those who enjoy eclectic collections. However, as the book contains profanity including a racial slur and sexual content, it is intended for a mature audience.

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UPDATE FROM REVIEWER: Since this review was first published, the author has removed an ethnic slur that was included in a poem about Vietnam. I found no other offensive content; readers who initially passed on the book may wish to reconsider in light of this update.

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Shadows
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Post by **Ngozi Onyibor** » 02 Aug 2019, 07:25

Poetry is growing on me, however, I still do not enjoy all forms of it. Though I have a feeling I will enjoy some of Edwards's poems, the profanity and racial slurs contained is giving me second thoughts. Thanks for your review.

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 02 Aug 2019, 14:13

Michelle Fred wrote: ↑02 Aug 2019, 07:25 Poetry is growing on me, however, I still do not enjoy all forms of it. Though I have a feeling I will enjoy some of Edwards's poems, the profanity and racial slurs contained is giving me second thoughts. Thanks for your review.

I appreciate your comment.

mmm17 · Post by **mmm17** » 02 Aug 2019, 18:40

I do enjoy poetry, but racial slurs are a deal breaker for me.

Thank you for an excellent review, though.

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 02 Aug 2019, 19:59

mmm17 wrote: ↑02 Aug 2019, 18:40 I do enjoy poetry, but racial slurs are a deal breaker for me. Thank you for an excellent review, though.

You're welcome. Thanks for your comment.

angiejack456 · Post by **angiejack456** » 08 Aug 2019, 07:10

While I am beginning to enjoy poetry, I think the eclectic nature of this collection might deter me. I would prefer some sort of theme. Excellent review!

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 08 Aug 2019, 11:37

angiejack456 wrote: ↑08 Aug 2019, 07:10 While I am beginning to enjoy poetry, I think the eclectic nature of this collection might deter me. I would prefer some sort of theme. Excellent review!

Thanks for your comment, Angie.

Brendan Donaghy · Post by **Brendan Donaghy** » 08 Aug 2019, 13:11

I'd like to have a look at this one, if I get the chance. One of the good things about poetry collections, I think, is that even if you don't like every single poem the writer puts in front of you, it's often still possible to find one or two gems. I think that's what I'm picking up from your review. Thanks for the update too, which will help people decide if they want to have a look.

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 08 Aug 2019, 14:36

Brendan Donaghy wrote: ↑08 Aug 2019, 13:11 I'd like to have a look at this one, if I get the chance. One of the good things about poetry collections, I think, is that even if you don't like every single poem the writer puts in front of you, it's often still possible to find one or two gems. I think that's what I'm picking up from your review. Thanks for the update too, which will help people decide if they want to have a look.

That's a great point, Brendan, and I agree. There are usually certain poems in a collection that speak to me more than others. I appreciate your comment.

Post by **kandscreeley** » 08 Aug 2019, 18:28

300 pages of poetry? I just couldn't do it. I love that there's a variety of styles which includes middle English. It seems like a great one for poetry lovers. Thanks for a great review.

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 08 Aug 2019, 21:17

The quote you included from "Cradle" is beautiful. As adults, we don't think about how our bed cradles us every night. The author seems to have a wide range of themes. Your review does a thorough job of informing readers of what to expect from this tome of poetry. Great review!

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 09 Aug 2019, 07:23

kandscreeley wrote: ↑08 Aug 2019, 18:28 300 pages of poetry? I just couldn't do it. I love that there's a variety of styles which includes middle English. It seems like a great one for poetry lovers. Thanks for a great review.

Haha, I understand. Thanks for your comment.

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 09 Aug 2019, 07:24

kdstrack wrote: ↑08 Aug 2019, 21:17 The quote you included from "Cradle" is beautiful. As adults, we don't think about how our bed cradles us every night. The author seems to have a wide range of themes. Your review does a thorough job of informing readers of what to expect from this tome of poetry. Great review!

Thank you.