Official Review: Rituals of Season by Giovanna Ess

[k2rugman]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Rituals of Season" by Giovanna Ess.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Rituals of Season is a heart-wrenching compilation of poems by Giovanna Ess. Each poem depicts her survival experience in an abusive relationship with her now ex-husband. Her experiences, like many, are both physical and psychological in nature.

The author’s first couple of poems describe the beginning of the relationship. The words are more loving and the relationship seems happy. It does not take long, however, for the tone to change to sadder and grittier verses. She describes the ugly words spoken to her, the abuse to fulfill his desires, and the incessant fear that filled her heart awaiting her ex- husband’s return home each day.

This book comes at a time where violence and abuse towards women is being protested against across the world. It is heartbreaking to me that anyone could have the kind of experiences to be able to write a book like this. I almost dreaded turning another page because it meant there was another instance of abuse that compelled this author to write down. I do not always enjoy poetry but I feel it was the appropriate medium for this subject matter. The meter and format was sometimes disjointed which is indicative of the disjointed feelings in this kind of perilous relationship.

The overall tone of this book was quite dark. With only five chapters, it was short but packed with intense emotions. The chapter and poem titles gave insight to what was to come. Despite the sadness, there were a couple sweet poems. The author gave birth to two sons through the course of the book. The poems she writes about her children are very sweet. I thought they were welcome breaths of fresh air.

I give Rituals of Season by Giovanna Ess 4 out of 4 stars. This was a tough read; but an important one. Abuse is not an easy subject matter to discuss. Many people turn a blind eye to it. I think that is why this kind of work is so important. The ability to write books and poetry provides a voice to those who otherwise might not have one. It also encourages those who have similar experiences to speak out and get help. The author, in her dedication, includes several phone numbers to The Domestic Violence Hotline. I feel that this book can be helpful to anyone who finds themselves in abusive relationships. There are people out there who sympathize and want to help.

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Rituals of Season
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[Sakura5]

Poetry is not my favorite genre, but I think it could be interesting trying to read it related to this topic. I also strongly agree that it is more and more important to make people aware about this subject. Good review!

[Tablito]

Giovanna's sweet poems to her sons help to balance the emotions created by her abusive relationship.

[Bookworm101520]

This book is intriguing to me! Memoir is one of my favorite genres, and I also struggle with poems sometimes. Thanks for a great review!

[Reitumetse_R]

Very sad. I really hope it gets through to both perpetrators and victims likewise. Sometimes I feel like we concentrate more on victims than getting rid of perpetrators.
Thank you for your review

[Suesea]

I can't read books or poems about abuse. However, your review was honest and helpful. I hope other readers find these poems insightful.

[Chivdi]

An abusive relationship is a sensitive topic and I appreciate that the author of this book came out to speak up. Thanks for the nice review.

[123Esther]

The subject is heartbreaking. Most people do not want to talk about it. I feel like this should be a must read to the most vulnerable groups of abuse. Thank you for the good for the good review.

[Njokime]

This is a book i can read. I have seen and encountered abusive relationships. There are people who are in need of help and they are scared to speak out. Thanks for the detailed review.

[Menace Crypto]

I don't really enjoy poetry, but I loved your review, it has really made me want to read this book. Thanks a lot for the well-detailed review. Kudos.

[Drado_27]

I have always loved reading sad poems. This book might be perfect for me, but I don't have enough confidence to engage in reviewing poetry. I'm glad that the author managed to get through all the bad stuff that happened to her.