Review of Corvix

Post by **Ngozi Onyibor** » 31 Jan 2022, 04:18

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Corvix" by Valentin Per Lind.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Much like short stories, I adore the brevity of poetry. I think it's charming that something so succinct can evoke soulful emotions and keep me pondering long after I'm done reading. So, I was ecstatic when I got a chance to read and review Corvix.

Corvix is a rich collection of poems by Valentin Per Lind. Lind grouped the poems into three eras based on the years they were written. It's interesting how his style changed over the years. Nature, love, death, sex, spirituality, ancient cultures, social issues and more inspired Lind's poems. Lind experimented with different poetic forms, but they all have something in common: they are incredibly evocative.

The poet's beautiful foreword on poetry and its purpose is a solid introduction to this genre of literature for beginners. The notes detailing the inspiration at the end of each poem helps decipher the message of the more opaque ones. I recommend rereading the poems after reading the notes. Knowing their motivations made me see the poems in a new light.

Just like music, I judge a poem by its ability to make me feel. Although many poems in the collection prompted profound feelings in me, the poems from the "Middle Period" are some of my favourites. They have a relatability that reeled me in. Even in words so carefully picked and beautifully expressed, I could feel the palpable sadness in By Saddleworth Moor. It iterates my belief that holding on to guilt for past mistakes gnaws at one's soul. As freeing as it is to forgive others, we must not forget to free ourselves as well.

Another aspect of the book I enjoyed are the notes detailing the inspirations behind the poems. I especially enjoyed reading the more lengthy ones on spirituality and aged cultures. They were utterly immersive and fascinating.

This isn't a quibble per se, but I think the notes would have worked better if they precede the poems. Even though I suspect the writer didn't want them to influence the reader's interpretation of his work. However, the lengthier ones sometimes overshadow the poems they accompany. I got lost in them a few times.

Overall, I rate the collection 4 out of 4 stars. It's beautiful, rich, and thought-provoking. Also, the editing is nearly flawless; I noted just a minor error in it.

Corvix calls for an open mind. Valentin is a person of faith, but not in the conventional sense. He seems like one who has discovered his own idea of God and is at peace with it. Though not done in a disrespectful or condescending manner, he has some unpopular interpretations of biblical verses that staunch Christians might consider unpalatable. That said, the collection has broad themes. So I believe every poetry lover will find something they will like in it.

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Corvix
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Aarushi Pareek · Post by **Aarushi Pareek** » 02 Feb 2022, 03:37

Honestly, this is the most beautiful review I have read. You chose your words meticulously and eloquently. I am really blown away by your ability to pick the perfect words to describe yourself. I am truly in awe of the quality of your writing and the rich vocabulary you utilize. Thanks a lot for writing such an amazing review.