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Bereft: A Story about Love, Loss, and Family
In the 1970s, a lovesick white girl just out of college sees a colored man she used to know on the beach. They aren't meant to be with one another, but her parents find them and whisk her away. The girl and the man meet again, and their passion is reignited. They fall in love. Her parents want her to marry a farmer and organize a date, but the girl has other ideas. Despite what her parents think, she sees no age limit or color, only love.
114 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 9, 2023
2 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
M.A. Quigley
5 books43 followersMelisa Quigley was born and raised in Victoria, Australia. She has an Associate Degree in Professional Writing and Editing from RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia.
Her work has been published in anthologies in America, Australia, India, and the Philippines.
Celebrate Pride Month with my debut novel, The Complexities of Love, a young adult coming-of-age romance which won The New York City Big Book Award in 2023, Author Shout Ready to Read 2024 Recommended Read and Beyond Borders Award 2025.
Her work has been published in anthologies in America, Australia, India, and the Philippines.
Celebrate Pride Month with my debut novel, The Complexities of Love, a young adult coming-of-age romance which won The New York City Big Book Award in 2023, Author Shout Ready to Read 2024 Recommended Read and Beyond Borders Award 2025.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
November 4, 2024
Bereft is a touching poem about a young woman who falls in love with a young man from a different community. They meet secretly, even though their parents disapprove. The woman's parents want her to marry a farmer, but she refuses to accept that choice.
The poem highlights an important message: everyone should be free to love whomever they want, no matter their caste, race, or community. While the world is changing in many ways, we still face challenges with these issues.
The themes of love, loss, and friendship are well presented. The poem's structure is engaging, and even though it's short, it connects with readers emotionally. It’s impressive how Bereft can make you feel so much in just a few pages, especially when longer books often miss that emotional mark. This poem keeps you hooked from start to finish.
The poem highlights an important message: everyone should be free to love whomever they want, no matter their caste, race, or community. While the world is changing in many ways, we still face challenges with these issues.
The themes of love, loss, and friendship are well presented. The poem's structure is engaging, and even though it's short, it connects with readers emotionally. It’s impressive how Bereft can make you feel so much in just a few pages, especially when longer books often miss that emotional mark. This poem keeps you hooked from start to finish.
November 19, 2024
Set against a backdrop of a small town, "Bereft" has been praised for its sensitive portrayal of grief and the human experience. M.A. Quigley's lyrical writing aids the narrative that delves into the complexities of mourning and the ways in which individuals cope with their pain.The protagonist's journey is marked by a series of circumstances that will resonate with readers who have experienced loss, making it a relatable and impactful read.
While the plot may not be unpredictable, the dialogue is authentic, reflecting real-life conversations that often occur in times of distress. The strength of "Bereft" lies in its emotional weight & resonance rather than plot twists. It offers a heartfelt meditation on what it means to be human in the face of sorrow. Some experiences & pains are just Universal; it doesn't matter how you say it.
It is quite fast paced, I read it in one sitting. It's a easy read or can be a good pallet cleanser in between books. (Or if you're just looking to complete your Goodreads challenge as the end of the year is approaching). Thank You to @booktasters_
For giving me the opportunity to broaden my access to different books.....! 🙏🏻😊
My Rating: 2.75✨
While the plot may not be unpredictable, the dialogue is authentic, reflecting real-life conversations that often occur in times of distress. The strength of "Bereft" lies in its emotional weight & resonance rather than plot twists. It offers a heartfelt meditation on what it means to be human in the face of sorrow. Some experiences & pains are just Universal; it doesn't matter how you say it.
It is quite fast paced, I read it in one sitting. It's a easy read or can be a good pallet cleanser in between books. (Or if you're just looking to complete your Goodreads challenge as the end of the year is approaching). Thank You to @booktasters_
For giving me the opportunity to broaden my access to different books.....! 🙏🏻😊
My Rating: 2.75✨
December 30, 2024
In spite of her parents' strong disapproval, a young woman who longs for love eventually falls in love with a man of a different race. They insist that she should marry a farmer instead. Nevertheless, she defies their racial discrimination and does what she feels.
I don't read much poetry, but this was an easy read with a continuous storyline. Fantastic author.
I don't read much poetry, but this was an easy read with a continuous storyline. Fantastic author.
April 4, 2024
Bereft
This book, written in poetry form, is a beautiful heart-breaking account of one woman’s life, from her early teenage days till her death.
It is a book of family, love, heartbreak, prejudice, and loss. At the time the book is based there would have been severe restrictions on interracial relations, but this young girl and the one she loved, saw no barriers, only two people who wanted to be together, and in doing so both paid a very high price for their love. Even as I was reading, I was willing their love to succeed, but family ties are strong, and played a huge part in their downfall.
The book, set in poetic form, only adds to the depths of this story. Ms Quigley has written an intense tragedy, not unlike Keats’ Endymion, which came to mind as I read this. It is one to savour, and read again, just like all good poetry. I highly recommend it.
This book, written in poetry form, is a beautiful heart-breaking account of one woman’s life, from her early teenage days till her death.
It is a book of family, love, heartbreak, prejudice, and loss. At the time the book is based there would have been severe restrictions on interracial relations, but this young girl and the one she loved, saw no barriers, only two people who wanted to be together, and in doing so both paid a very high price for their love. Even as I was reading, I was willing their love to succeed, but family ties are strong, and played a huge part in their downfall.
The book, set in poetic form, only adds to the depths of this story. Ms Quigley has written an intense tragedy, not unlike Keats’ Endymion, which came to mind as I read this. It is one to savour, and read again, just like all good poetry. I highly recommend it.
October 7, 2024
Bereft by M A Quigley is narrative poetry in its most alluring form because it is in truth a tragic love story told in the form of poetry. It's the first time I've read something like this rather than a collection of poetry and the skill of the poet has left me astounded. I think this requires such talent and a wonderful perspective to tell a story in the form of verse rather than prose. Also that subject that the poet has touched upon is a sensitive one - it is a love story between two people of different color. The parental opposition that seeps in, the lack of understanding shown by society had been beautifully elaborated on with words that paints pictures. The relationship between the lovers has been illustrated with great care, one sees the passion, the turmoil, the pain and above all the love. Definitely worth browsing through. 5 shiny stars for this one.
January 3, 2025
OMG this book...made me feel so many things. Anger, compassion, sadness. This book is gonna stick with me for awhile. The prose is lush but not mushy; it's concocted very straight-fowardly so as not to be confusing, while still conveying very real emotions within certain situations. Very expertly-crafted.
It's hard to write something like this, a narrative collection of poetry that unravels into a full-blown story rich with character, emotion, and heart. I've tried, many years ago, and shelved it because I stalled out. Maybe I'll revisit it at some point with a fresher perspective, and the confidence in knowing it can be done.
This book will break your heart, but it's absolutely worth it.
It's hard to write something like this, a narrative collection of poetry that unravels into a full-blown story rich with character, emotion, and heart. I've tried, many years ago, and shelved it because I stalled out. Maybe I'll revisit it at some point with a fresher perspective, and the confidence in knowing it can be done.
This book will break your heart, but it's absolutely worth it.
January 10, 2025
I love the plot and the style can get my emotions so well. I highly recommend this amazing book!
December 15, 2024
Honestly this is the first poetry history I've read and I'm completely in love.
I wish I'd read it before.
I completely recommend it for all ages. I believe that it would hit different depending on the moment you're in life, and you should read it more than once throughout your life.
It is also easy to read, but very deep at the same time.
I wish I'd read it before.
I completely recommend it for all ages. I believe that it would hit different depending on the moment you're in life, and you should read it more than once throughout your life.
It is also easy to read, but very deep at the same time.
December 13, 2024
M.A. Quigley’s Bereft is a narrative poem that tells the heartbreaking story of love, loss, and family. The poem narrates the story of a girl caught between the disapproval of her parents and her love for someone whose only fault was the colour of his skin. This is depicted in the line, "Our relationship had no appeal because we weren’t the same color." Through its storytelling, Bereft captures the emptiness and the narrator feels after losing both her lover and her family.
Reading Bereft feels like stepping into a storm of raw, vivid, and deep human emotions. The poem flows seamlessly between poetic imagery and conversational tones, creating a unique balance for readers. The vivid imagery—"fury like thunder and lightning, shadows dancing on the walls, and creating shivers to my core, my fingers bled, cutting Into the page with my pen,
When would their hatred end?"—paints a touching picture of forbidden love and heartbreak. The emotional tension is particularly intense during the confrontation with the protagonist’s parents, whose disapproval reflects the societal barriers that seek to separate the lovers.
What I love about this poem is its portrayal of passion and pain, as well as its strong narrative arc, which adds depth to the poem. It perfectly showcases the loneliness and emptiness left behind by the loss of love and death . Quigley’s writing captures the impact of loss and how it breaks you and leaves you mourning for what could have been.
I rate Bereft 5 out of 5 stars because I thoroughly enjoyed it and found it interesting.
Reading Bereft feels like stepping into a storm of raw, vivid, and deep human emotions. The poem flows seamlessly between poetic imagery and conversational tones, creating a unique balance for readers. The vivid imagery—"fury like thunder and lightning, shadows dancing on the walls, and creating shivers to my core, my fingers bled, cutting Into the page with my pen,
When would their hatred end?"—paints a touching picture of forbidden love and heartbreak. The emotional tension is particularly intense during the confrontation with the protagonist’s parents, whose disapproval reflects the societal barriers that seek to separate the lovers.
What I love about this poem is its portrayal of passion and pain, as well as its strong narrative arc, which adds depth to the poem. It perfectly showcases the loneliness and emptiness left behind by the loss of love and death . Quigley’s writing captures the impact of loss and how it breaks you and leaves you mourning for what could have been.
I rate Bereft 5 out of 5 stars because I thoroughly enjoyed it and found it interesting.
December 10, 2024
A tragic love story, but fascinating. Read in 2 days.
January 4, 2024
You don’t read Bereft.
You stand next to a great artist as she applies emotional brushstrokes to a fresh canvas.
The intensity of yearning, the flaming heat of love, the brooding, sombre tones of fear and the darkness of loss develop with an intensity and fluidity which draw you into the developing masterpiece.
A beautiful picture.
You stand next to a great artist as she applies emotional brushstrokes to a fresh canvas.
The intensity of yearning, the flaming heat of love, the brooding, sombre tones of fear and the darkness of loss develop with an intensity and fluidity which draw you into the developing masterpiece.
A beautiful picture.
July 30, 2023
This is the story of a young woman yearning for love, who ultimately falls in love with a man from a different racial background, despite her parents' strong disapproval. They insist on her marrying a farmer instead. However, she stands firm against their racial bias and follows her heart. The book captivated me with its unique, freestyle poetry from the very beginning.
Melisa Quigley, a skilled writer with a keen eye for society's nuances and complexities, wields her pen with such adroitness that it left me in awe as I read the story.
While there have been advances in the ongoing journey towards a more inclusive world, not all societies have progressed equally in accepting interracial relationships. Some regions may still demonstrate varying degrees of resistance or disapproval due to historical prejudices, cultural conservatism, or other factors. In such places, interracial couples may encounter challenges such as discrimination, prejudice, or familial and social pressure.
The struggle for racial equality and a just world has been far from easy. The human heart is a complex thing. Therefore, it is essential to acknowledge that even though overall attitudes have become more accepting, instances of racism and microaggressions experienced by interracial couples can still occur. "Bereft" is a MUST READ! Congratulations, Melisa! Well done!
Melisa Quigley, a skilled writer with a keen eye for society's nuances and complexities, wields her pen with such adroitness that it left me in awe as I read the story.
While there have been advances in the ongoing journey towards a more inclusive world, not all societies have progressed equally in accepting interracial relationships. Some regions may still demonstrate varying degrees of resistance or disapproval due to historical prejudices, cultural conservatism, or other factors. In such places, interracial couples may encounter challenges such as discrimination, prejudice, or familial and social pressure.
The struggle for racial equality and a just world has been far from easy. The human heart is a complex thing. Therefore, it is essential to acknowledge that even though overall attitudes have become more accepting, instances of racism and microaggressions experienced by interracial couples can still occur. "Bereft" is a MUST READ! Congratulations, Melisa! Well done!
April 13, 2023
Love, loss, family and more
This book is one of, if not the best, poetry books I've read. The book is one long poem broken down into usable and delightful stanzas. I felt like I was hit with young love again, yet here that young love was told, no more. You can't be together. Or he's not right for you. It mattered not their station in life, and life, as always, comes to an end. Before that end is the middle, and such evocative words written, happy and gut wrenching both. Five stars.
This book is one of, if not the best, poetry books I've read. The book is one long poem broken down into usable and delightful stanzas. I felt like I was hit with young love again, yet here that young love was told, no more. You can't be together. Or he's not right for you. It mattered not their station in life, and life, as always, comes to an end. Before that end is the middle, and such evocative words written, happy and gut wrenching both. Five stars.
November 2, 2024
3,5 ⭐
I'm not a poetry reader like in general, but I quite enjoy this story told through verses. The rhythm of it as a whole made me keep on reading as a song sounding inside my head.
However, the main character was naïve to exhaustion, and I found way less important the fact that her love was a black man than expected, like it could have any other reason for her parents to despise him instead and it would be the same story. So it was meh except for the writing itself. Also, the storyline was a little bit irrelevant, like sometimes I didn't care what else could happen
I'm not a poetry reader like in general, but I quite enjoy this story told through verses. The rhythm of it as a whole made me keep on reading as a song sounding inside my head.
However, the main character was naïve to exhaustion, and I found way less important the fact that her love was a black man than expected, like it could have any other reason for her parents to despise him instead and it would be the same story. So it was meh except for the writing itself. Also, the storyline was a little bit irrelevant, like sometimes I didn't care what else could happen
December 18, 2024
This is my second time reading general fiction/poetry, and I enjoyed it. It feels like I'm in someone's shoes, but I don't really relate to the whole story. It has so many conflicts despite the genre as general fiction, yet it has pretty good storyline. The lost 1 star I didn't filled out is because I can't relate at all, I don't really feel the feeling of the characters. The 4 star I gave out is because of the balance diction between everyday vocabulary and poetry words, the conflicts which makes me feel like I lost something but I don't, and the good storyline.
Read
February 12, 2025I haven't read a poem-prose like book that's this emphatic and reflective. It tells us about love, loss, grief and aftermath effects of life's tragedies.
It's a story about a young woman who fell in love with a man her parents doesn't want her to be with, and honestly it was a rollercoaster of emotions.
As I was reading, it felt to me like I was the young lady in the book and I earnestly wanted to see her love bloom despite the odds.
Definitely worth recommending to anyone who enjoys beautiful intimately written books.
5 beautiful stars for this amazing books.
It's a story about a young woman who fell in love with a man her parents doesn't want her to be with, and honestly it was a rollercoaster of emotions.
As I was reading, it felt to me like I was the young lady in the book and I earnestly wanted to see her love bloom despite the odds.
Definitely worth recommending to anyone who enjoys beautiful intimately written books.
5 beautiful stars for this amazing books.
March 8, 2025
Quigley's writing is super flowery, which is cool if you're into that. It's not just straight-up story, it’s got this whole emotional vibe going on.
Basically, it's about people dealing with some heavy stuff, like losing people and loving people they maybe shouldn't. It's got this whole "forbidden love" thing happening, which is kinda dramatic, but also relatable, you know? Plus, there's some social commentary stuff thrown in, about relationships and society. It's not a light read, but if you're into deep feels and pretty words, you'll probably dig it. It's like, a whole mood.
Basically, it's about people dealing with some heavy stuff, like losing people and loving people they maybe shouldn't. It's got this whole "forbidden love" thing happening, which is kinda dramatic, but also relatable, you know? Plus, there's some social commentary stuff thrown in, about relationships and society. It's not a light read, but if you're into deep feels and pretty words, you'll probably dig it. It's like, a whole mood.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2024
I really like books like this. A complete story with very beautiful words. This book has a fairly fast pace, I think because this book is like a poem so the sentences are straight to the point. If you are an adult and have problems with love, maybe you should read this book because it makes you think that there is no easy love. Everyone has problems in loving someone. I like both of the main couples. they show their love and work on it.
March 4, 2025
I love the story.
I like the female main character, she is the definition of love. Even when families and town where against them, she was boat that sail them, when love betrayed her, she licked her wounds and rise again. When she lost her love. She survived the tides of life with the rein of love's memory and I especially love her connection with God.
This book should be read by adult.
I like everything about the book.
It's a steady pace, poetic and beautiful.
I like the female main character, she is the definition of love. Even when families and town where against them, she was boat that sail them, when love betrayed her, she licked her wounds and rise again. When she lost her love. She survived the tides of life with the rein of love's memory and I especially love her connection with God.
This book should be read by adult.
I like everything about the book.
It's a steady pace, poetic and beautiful.
November 21, 2024
I've never read a book like Bereft before, even though it's quite short, it feels very complete and satisfying. The author is really good at using few words to say a lot.
January 12, 2025
Interesting book, keep up the good work
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2025
Good
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
March 9, 2025Read it in a day.Double blessings as it also rained after a prolonged drought
December 4, 2023
"Why couldn’t we be like the string
And the kite
Roaming around carefree?"
Reading "Bereft: A Story about Love, Loss, and Family" by M. A. Quigley, this question echoed in my heart and didn’t let go. Why do people keep pushing themselves inside a box? Aren’t we already like a kite on the string, inevitably tethered to something, not completely free? Why should we invent new ties to keep us restrained – and unhappy?
Two people fall in love. The feelings are strong, fuelling young bodies and ardent souls. A girl and a boy want to be together, and nothing should have stopped them. Still, every generation invents new limits to be put on the most intimate of spheres of life – relationships.
These two, who might have been meant to be together on some level above human control and understanding, aren’t supposed to form a beautiful union called family in the society of Australia back in the 70s. His and her families are against their relationship and will not stop until the love they consider wrong is destroyed.
"Beliefs floated above his head
Like grey clouds threatening rain"
He turns out to be weaker than she. She persists in fighting for their love despite the ominous clouds her parents have turned her life into. He is less resilient. When he sees her, he can’t resist the pull of love. Alas, when they are apart, he falls under the influence of those who tell him their love cannot be.
"We communicated in silence
Even when we were alone
We starred in our own motion-picture show"
This tragic story, told in a mesmerising, poetic language, captivated me. It drew me into the life of struggle – unfair and useless, and because of this, even more piercing – two people in love had to live instead of a life full of joy, hope, and light. It could have turned out differently as well. But the love that hasn’t been given a chance to be tested is always incomparably sadder than the love tested and failed.
And the kite
Roaming around carefree?"
Reading "Bereft: A Story about Love, Loss, and Family" by M. A. Quigley, this question echoed in my heart and didn’t let go. Why do people keep pushing themselves inside a box? Aren’t we already like a kite on the string, inevitably tethered to something, not completely free? Why should we invent new ties to keep us restrained – and unhappy?
Two people fall in love. The feelings are strong, fuelling young bodies and ardent souls. A girl and a boy want to be together, and nothing should have stopped them. Still, every generation invents new limits to be put on the most intimate of spheres of life – relationships.
These two, who might have been meant to be together on some level above human control and understanding, aren’t supposed to form a beautiful union called family in the society of Australia back in the 70s. His and her families are against their relationship and will not stop until the love they consider wrong is destroyed.
"Beliefs floated above his head
Like grey clouds threatening rain"
He turns out to be weaker than she. She persists in fighting for their love despite the ominous clouds her parents have turned her life into. He is less resilient. When he sees her, he can’t resist the pull of love. Alas, when they are apart, he falls under the influence of those who tell him their love cannot be.
"We communicated in silence
Even when we were alone
We starred in our own motion-picture show"
This tragic story, told in a mesmerising, poetic language, captivated me. It drew me into the life of struggle – unfair and useless, and because of this, even more piercing – two people in love had to live instead of a life full of joy, hope, and light. It could have turned out differently as well. But the love that hasn’t been given a chance to be tested is always incomparably sadder than the love tested and failed.
December 3, 2024
‘I was alone again.’ Bereft! This poem composed by Ms M.A. Quigley tells a story about love, loss, family, regret, loneliness, desires, hopes, cares, reunion in dreams, forgiveness, and maybe numbness.
In the heat of her love with her man, ’There was no death, only love, No light obscured the two of us, Our souls burned brightly, Breathing in each other and our surrounds, Our hearts beating fast, Warmed by this wondrous sight, On a cold winter’s night.’ But their love could not be supported or blessed by her family, ‘No one sought to understand. Our relationship had no appeal, Because we weren’t the same colour.’ Maybe it was doomed that she would lose her beloved. She was left weeping, feeling bereft, she wanted the lapping sea to take her away. Then they met each other in dreams and in memory. Their love story does remind me of The Bard’s star-crossed lovers, R&J. And their reunion, nothing like that of Innogen and Posthumus in Cymbeline, occurred only in her dreams. The stars do seem to conspire against these young lovers.
‘My hands kept busy knitting, Needles clacking, making a jumper.’ She lost her family. She had no friends. She was alone, bereft. At last, she was bereft of everything, including her Self, her bravery, her courage, her instinct…Alone! Bereft! And poignant!
‘Listening to the house creak and groan…’ And then, ’fell over, Like Mum and died, Without anyone around, To say goodbye.’
Thank you for your story, Ms M.A. Quigley.
My X: https://x.com/Major_Tom123
My Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
In the heat of her love with her man, ’There was no death, only love, No light obscured the two of us, Our souls burned brightly, Breathing in each other and our surrounds, Our hearts beating fast, Warmed by this wondrous sight, On a cold winter’s night.’ But their love could not be supported or blessed by her family, ‘No one sought to understand. Our relationship had no appeal, Because we weren’t the same colour.’ Maybe it was doomed that she would lose her beloved. She was left weeping, feeling bereft, she wanted the lapping sea to take her away. Then they met each other in dreams and in memory. Their love story does remind me of The Bard’s star-crossed lovers, R&J. And their reunion, nothing like that of Innogen and Posthumus in Cymbeline, occurred only in her dreams. The stars do seem to conspire against these young lovers.
‘My hands kept busy knitting, Needles clacking, making a jumper.’ She lost her family. She had no friends. She was alone, bereft. At last, she was bereft of everything, including her Self, her bravery, her courage, her instinct…Alone! Bereft! And poignant!
‘Listening to the house creak and groan…’ And then, ’fell over, Like Mum and died, Without anyone around, To say goodbye.’
Thank you for your story, Ms M.A. Quigley.
My X: https://x.com/Major_Tom123
My Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
December 26, 2024
I have not yet learned the perfect way to do a proper review, but I will do my best. Ok. So bereft is a masterpiece, there's no argument about that. Personally, I am of the opinion that poets of the 21st century had added too many waters to their ink, but bereft had so many things that made the ancients give the poetess their grudging approval.
Reading Bereft, I could smell the influences of great, brutal and revolutionary poets like Philip Larking and Charles. She seems to echo their style and voices in her own work.
Bereft is a story or rather a story that was told by the songs of a poet. It tells the story about a young woman and her lover. This love affair doesn't have the approval of both parents involved. The poet used a lot of imagery to describe the world of the reckless love of the young. After a series of twist and turns, betrayal sets in and this lovebirds eventually had to go separate ways. Only for the narrator to wake up via a phone call to discover that her lover died saying her name.
As time goes by,she lost her mother and her father, hence she was left alone.
Bereft is actually a book one must read if he or she must have a good cry. A book that is just so so sad. It is not for the faint hearted.
Conclusively, I personally saw nothing wrong with the book, just that the poet told us about a pregnancy, but no other information. Maybe the only name, Evelyn is the name of the baby. If that is the case, then we can include it as a theme of hope amongst many other themes of the book.
Reading Bereft, I could smell the influences of great, brutal and revolutionary poets like Philip Larking and Charles. She seems to echo their style and voices in her own work.
Bereft is a story or rather a story that was told by the songs of a poet. It tells the story about a young woman and her lover. This love affair doesn't have the approval of both parents involved. The poet used a lot of imagery to describe the world of the reckless love of the young. After a series of twist and turns, betrayal sets in and this lovebirds eventually had to go separate ways. Only for the narrator to wake up via a phone call to discover that her lover died saying her name.
As time goes by,she lost her mother and her father, hence she was left alone.
Bereft is actually a book one must read if he or she must have a good cry. A book that is just so so sad. It is not for the faint hearted.
Conclusively, I personally saw nothing wrong with the book, just that the poet told us about a pregnancy, but no other information. Maybe the only name, Evelyn is the name of the baby. If that is the case, then we can include it as a theme of hope amongst many other themes of the book.
June 19, 2023
Bereft is a beautiful, heartbreaking story about a young white woman who fall in love with a young black man. It’s set in the 1970’s in Australia. Written in a narrative poem from the voice of the woman, I was captivated by this eloquently written tragic story. From the beginning the couple are met with resistance from their unbending families. They are not meant to be together, and they will only have heartache. The young woman doesn’t care what society thinks. She is in love and fully committed to him despite their parents or the community’s feelings. The young man is more influenced by pressure from his family. There is a push and pull as these tortured lovers try to be together.
Ms. Quigley has a gift for making the reader feel and understand emotions and social injustices in an authentic, poignant, and relatable way. Torn between the love for each other and their family, I cried along with these young lovers as I followed their struggles. I highly recommend this poetic story.
Ms. Quigley has a gift for making the reader feel and understand emotions and social injustices in an authentic, poignant, and relatable way. Torn between the love for each other and their family, I cried along with these young lovers as I followed their struggles. I highly recommend this poetic story.
November 28, 2024
This is a highly unusual book. Written in the form of a poem but it treads like part poem, part novel. The format makes it very easy and quick to read. But I found it quite off putting, neither one thing nor the other. The story tells of a forbidden love between a young white woman and a black man, the disapproval of her parents and their attempts to thwart the love affair. Despite this, their love brings them back together. However, there is loss and grief in their story, and while the author does manage to convey the sense of this, I felt that the writing never really gets to grips with it.
It was a disappointing read for me.
It was a disappointing read for me.
November 30, 2024
3/5
Bereft is a book about a young woman who falls in love with a "different" man and faces the consequences for it. Within its pages, you will find love, sorrow, hope, and more.
I really liked the pacing and the narration style. Although I don't usually read poetry, I was mesmerized by this book. The story itself is powerful; its impact relies on the emotional weight and hopefulness of its protagonist. Despite all that happens in her life, both the good and especially the bad, she remains somehow resilient.
I found the book entertaining and interesting, I recommend it if you enjoy a short story filled with impactful emotions.
Bereft is a book about a young woman who falls in love with a "different" man and faces the consequences for it. Within its pages, you will find love, sorrow, hope, and more.
I really liked the pacing and the narration style. Although I don't usually read poetry, I was mesmerized by this book. The story itself is powerful; its impact relies on the emotional weight and hopefulness of its protagonist. Despite all that happens in her life, both the good and especially the bad, she remains somehow resilient.
I found the book entertaining and interesting, I recommend it if you enjoy a short story filled with impactful emotions.
November 14, 2024
Bereft mourns and celebrates love amidst the chores of living, the heroine at the centre of it lives a poetic life, an experience that is true and similar in different types and forms in different cultures across the world, making it relatable and yet distinct.
It begins with a striking semblance with the Songs of Solomon of the Bible and slowly enters a slippery slope of dejection, uncertainity and acceptance.
It is a collection of poems, in the form of journal entries for the weeks, months and years lived.
It made the mourning of the loss of Lou Donaldson a bit more easy.
It begins with a striking semblance with the Songs of Solomon of the Bible and slowly enters a slippery slope of dejection, uncertainity and acceptance.
It is a collection of poems, in the form of journal entries for the weeks, months and years lived.
It made the mourning of the loss of Lou Donaldson a bit more easy.
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