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Beautiful Malady: Poems
A siren song of queerness, disability, and myth, these poems reinvent love, life, and death. BEAUTIFUL MALADY is an exploration of pain, weaving speculative poems about fairy tales, folklore, fantasy, and the supernatural with the reality of chronic illness and disability. Ennis Rook Bashe deftly creates a world where the broken body is beautiful.
55 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 5, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
October 15, 2024
A beautiful, poignant, sad, wry book encompassing many other adjectives, that shows, describes, circumvents what it’s like to be chronically ill and/or dying as a young person. Using SF tropes as analogy strangely brings the experiences into starker focus, rather than diluting it.
Nominated for the Elgin Award for best speculative poetry chapbook in 2024.
Nominated for the Elgin Award for best speculative poetry chapbook in 2024.
August 17, 2023
"Beautiful Malady: Poems" by Ennis Rook Bashe is a collection of dark fairytale-inspired poems by a queer trans disabled Jewish author. While this series of poems mainly centers around disability and medical trauma more so than it does on queerness and transness, queerness and transness still remains intrinsic to the overall narrative. Bashe is a master of lyrical composition that, admittedly, oftentimes went straight over my head or needing to consult a dictionary; however, the content was still overwhelmingly beautiful.
One not of interest that I share with many other reviewers is that the cover is way too busy. The cover art itself needs no changing, in my humble opinion, however, I believe that the cover would benefit from a different typeface.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
One not of interest that I share with many other reviewers is that the cover is way too busy. The cover art itself needs no changing, in my humble opinion, however, I believe that the cover would benefit from a different typeface.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 30, 2023
Thank you so much to the publishers for providing me with an eArc in exchange for my honest review.
"Let us, in any universe, refuse to be erased."
This poetry collection was absolutely fantastic, with an ongoing disability theme throughout it was thoroughly insightful and eye-opening. To have a collection that features the struggles and frustrations that people with disabilities have is a must-read, especially for able-bodied people who wouldn't have these struggles.
From doctor visits, chronic pain, and people thinking you're making up different symptoms, this collection's beautiful and mesmerising words and imagery present only a fraction of the issues that disabled people have to go through.
I highly recommend reading these poems! With a mixture of fantasy and real life, the writing can unpack a lot and you may find yourself going back to read over specific poems because they genuinely just hit so hard and are so beautifully made.
"Let us, in any universe, refuse to be erased."
This poetry collection was absolutely fantastic, with an ongoing disability theme throughout it was thoroughly insightful and eye-opening. To have a collection that features the struggles and frustrations that people with disabilities have is a must-read, especially for able-bodied people who wouldn't have these struggles.
From doctor visits, chronic pain, and people thinking you're making up different symptoms, this collection's beautiful and mesmerising words and imagery present only a fraction of the issues that disabled people have to go through.
I highly recommend reading these poems! With a mixture of fantasy and real life, the writing can unpack a lot and you may find yourself going back to read over specific poems because they genuinely just hit so hard and are so beautifully made.
March 5, 2024
3.5 stars
Ennis Rook Bashe's poetry collection looks at disability, trauma, fantasy worlds blending with reality, and pain and suffering. I greatly enjoyed some of the poems in this collection. It's incredibly short, almost too short for my taste, but I loved the author's note they provided at the end about their own trauma and medical experiences.
"I am bone-cutting saw
supposed to be grateful for
the carcass of my life"
Thank you, Interstellar Press, for providing me with a copy of this collection in exchange for an honest review.
Ennis Rook Bashe's poetry collection looks at disability, trauma, fantasy worlds blending with reality, and pain and suffering. I greatly enjoyed some of the poems in this collection. It's incredibly short, almost too short for my taste, but I loved the author's note they provided at the end about their own trauma and medical experiences.
"I am bone-cutting saw
supposed to be grateful for
the carcass of my life"
Thank you, Interstellar Press, for providing me with a copy of this collection in exchange for an honest review.
May 22, 2023
Gosh, this is excellent. The imagery used is so poignant and so many of the tales woven together are so good. This is a great examination of chronic illness and disability through a speculative lens, and I really enjoyed the chance to read it.
June 9, 2023
I got an ARC of this book.
I am not a poetry person. I don't understand poetry. I don't like poetry.
I do understand a body that seems to betray you, not seeing yourself in what you are engaging with, not being thought about by the majority. I understood so much of Bashe's ideas, frustrations, pains, and anger. It was nice to see both skeletons and my disabled body in poetry, not what I was expecting at all.
Still poetry, so wasn't something I loved. But I did enjoy it. For me to even admit I enjoyed poetry, there has to be something there.
I am not a poetry person. I don't understand poetry. I don't like poetry.
I do understand a body that seems to betray you, not seeing yourself in what you are engaging with, not being thought about by the majority. I understood so much of Bashe's ideas, frustrations, pains, and anger. It was nice to see both skeletons and my disabled body in poetry, not what I was expecting at all.
Still poetry, so wasn't something I loved. But I did enjoy it. For me to even admit I enjoyed poetry, there has to be something there.
January 13, 2025
Beautiful poetry on queer/disabled identity
A great journey through the imagination and lived experience of the author with such beautiful and moving language. Glad I read it!
A great journey through the imagination and lived experience of the author with such beautiful and moving language. Glad I read it!
October 5, 2023
If you have to scrawl on the walls in blood
at least write equations. Churn out enough numbers
to become a priority and thus deserve flesh.
I’ve been really trying to slow down and take my time more when reading poetry, but I read Beautiful Malady straight through in one sitting because I was immediately captivated by the writing. These poems are straightforward and accessible, but also filled with beautiful, visceral language that brings to life the reality of living as a disabled person. Ennis Rook Bashe blends ordinary scenarios with elements of fantasy and folklore, and while some of these poems take on very dark subjects, they also work to create a space where disabled and chronically ill bodies not only exist within the realm of fantasy, but can take direct action and claim ownership over their own narratives. It’s also very obviously written towards nerds, which I appreciate.
Thanks to Interstellar Press for a copy of this collection in exchange for an honest review!
at least write equations. Churn out enough numbers
to become a priority and thus deserve flesh.
I’ve been really trying to slow down and take my time more when reading poetry, but I read Beautiful Malady straight through in one sitting because I was immediately captivated by the writing. These poems are straightforward and accessible, but also filled with beautiful, visceral language that brings to life the reality of living as a disabled person. Ennis Rook Bashe blends ordinary scenarios with elements of fantasy and folklore, and while some of these poems take on very dark subjects, they also work to create a space where disabled and chronically ill bodies not only exist within the realm of fantasy, but can take direct action and claim ownership over their own narratives. It’s also very obviously written towards nerds, which I appreciate.
Thanks to Interstellar Press for a copy of this collection in exchange for an honest review!
July 15, 2023
Ennis Rook Bashe is a nonbinary graduate student from New York who loves their rescue cat, making cosplay TikToks, and watching horror game streamers. They write books about queer & disabled people surviving and recovering from trauma, finding community, living their best lives… and falling in love. Their newest book of poetry is Beautiful Malady. Though short, this collection is a powerful exploration of what it means to be disabled in a world that is not willing to accommodate or undersand, written from a place of honest authenticity that will capture the attention of any reader.
There is a lot in this book that deals with disability through speculative terms. Bashe addresses the issues with being disabled, with having a body that is often at odds with the world’s expectations and the laws of physics, in a way both haunting and speculative. Take, for example, the poem “on having had wings,” in which Bashe uses the image of flight and having wings to one of freedom from the heaviness of the earth:
I don’t like this human thing of yours; wingless,
groundbound, foot after foot. Do you like hauling
your whole solid self everywhere? Do you like
the clomp of staircases, the creak of knees.
The speaker here is burdened by the ability to be human, which is a fascinating take on disability, especially when presented to a non-disabled audience. The idea of making a normal body the faulty thing, and to wish for a less normal body, one that is “made of thoughts and glass and light,” puts disability into a perspective that will both build empathy in the reader, but also make them feel guilty for being unaware of just how privileged being able-bodied is. Poems like this will make readers uncomfortable, as well they should.
However, this is not a one-note collection. Bashe also uses speculative tropes to condemn the disability itself. For example, in “mad, without scientist,” the disability is seen as a curse to be coddled by society, but also feared:
Archetypes are invariable, nothing like dice:
you must have two hands to cradle someone else.
No mad without scientist. No scars without sneers.
Here, Bashe explores how disabilities are seen by society, and how those who are disable are both cursed and blessed by society. “Churn out enough/numbers to become a priority and thus deserve flesh.” The idea that those who are disabled only have value to society if they can produce something—math, science, etc.—and that their disabilities are glossed over so long as they are of use should unsettle readers. However, Bashe does not blame, merely present the information.
The fact that speculative tropes were used to promote this message is especially appealing. In a world where the disabled community has to learn how to navigate not just physical systems, but also legal and medical systems designed to ignore them and not take them seriously, the idea of a character or script takes on a new idea. If part of the disability is being forced to put on a mask to make others comfortable, then is the disability really accommodated? If the able-bodied heroes of the tales can have their medals and honors, why not the disabled? Poems like “this universe and all others” work to asking those questions through the lens of alternate realities and the myths contained therein:
Goddess of cryogenics and cave silt,
of wheelchairs on spider legs,
of clockwork hearts, sword canes in ballrooms
and bionic eyes on the spaceship bridge…
This poem is one of defiance and triumph, and ends with the prayer:
Le us, in any universe,
refuse to be erased.
Ennis Rook Bashe has provided a glimpse into the world of living life as a person with disabilities. They use speculative tropes, from horror to fantasy to RPG gaming, to address the issues of dealing with a disabled body. They also condemn the disability and society’s reactions to it. They also use this book and their poetry to declare that they and their communities have purpose and value, and there is almost a fierce declaration of refusal to submit or be erased. This is a powerful collection, and it will unsettle readers, calling attention to their own privileges and perceptions. The fact that it does so through a lens of speculation, including horror and dark fantasy, to drive these themes forward is impressive, and any fan of speculative poetry needs to read Beautiful Malady.
There is a lot in this book that deals with disability through speculative terms. Bashe addresses the issues with being disabled, with having a body that is often at odds with the world’s expectations and the laws of physics, in a way both haunting and speculative. Take, for example, the poem “on having had wings,” in which Bashe uses the image of flight and having wings to one of freedom from the heaviness of the earth:
I don’t like this human thing of yours; wingless,
groundbound, foot after foot. Do you like hauling
your whole solid self everywhere? Do you like
the clomp of staircases, the creak of knees.
The speaker here is burdened by the ability to be human, which is a fascinating take on disability, especially when presented to a non-disabled audience. The idea of making a normal body the faulty thing, and to wish for a less normal body, one that is “made of thoughts and glass and light,” puts disability into a perspective that will both build empathy in the reader, but also make them feel guilty for being unaware of just how privileged being able-bodied is. Poems like this will make readers uncomfortable, as well they should.
However, this is not a one-note collection. Bashe also uses speculative tropes to condemn the disability itself. For example, in “mad, without scientist,” the disability is seen as a curse to be coddled by society, but also feared:
Archetypes are invariable, nothing like dice:
you must have two hands to cradle someone else.
No mad without scientist. No scars without sneers.
Here, Bashe explores how disabilities are seen by society, and how those who are disable are both cursed and blessed by society. “Churn out enough/numbers to become a priority and thus deserve flesh.” The idea that those who are disabled only have value to society if they can produce something—math, science, etc.—and that their disabilities are glossed over so long as they are of use should unsettle readers. However, Bashe does not blame, merely present the information.
The fact that speculative tropes were used to promote this message is especially appealing. In a world where the disabled community has to learn how to navigate not just physical systems, but also legal and medical systems designed to ignore them and not take them seriously, the idea of a character or script takes on a new idea. If part of the disability is being forced to put on a mask to make others comfortable, then is the disability really accommodated? If the able-bodied heroes of the tales can have their medals and honors, why not the disabled? Poems like “this universe and all others” work to asking those questions through the lens of alternate realities and the myths contained therein:
Goddess of cryogenics and cave silt,
of wheelchairs on spider legs,
of clockwork hearts, sword canes in ballrooms
and bionic eyes on the spaceship bridge…
This poem is one of defiance and triumph, and ends with the prayer:
Le us, in any universe,
refuse to be erased.
Ennis Rook Bashe has provided a glimpse into the world of living life as a person with disabilities. They use speculative tropes, from horror to fantasy to RPG gaming, to address the issues of dealing with a disabled body. They also condemn the disability and society’s reactions to it. They also use this book and their poetry to declare that they and their communities have purpose and value, and there is almost a fierce declaration of refusal to submit or be erased. This is a powerful collection, and it will unsettle readers, calling attention to their own privileges and perceptions. The fact that it does so through a lens of speculation, including horror and dark fantasy, to drive these themes forward is impressive, and any fan of speculative poetry needs to read Beautiful Malady.
April 24, 2023
In the afterword, the author of BEAUTIFUL MALADY describes how Live-Action Roleplaying (LARPing) allows them to immerse themselves in a character without having to stick to their real-word persona. Yet, without talking about yourself, you are able to convey much of what you really want to say. This is immediately obvious in this book of poetry: Ennis Rook Bashe creates refreshing poems exploring disability and queerness. We are all familiar with those lazy tropes often found in literature centered on the disabled—suddenly they’re cured by modern medicine or even worse, magic/perseverance, it’s been in their head (and their fault) all along, and if it’s not showing the happy ending where someone’s disabilities suddenly go away, you may find a cautionary tale—pity these people, this is a lesson about acceptance/diversity/… okay there we go we’ve got our token disability character.
BEAUTIFUL MALADY examines these tropes and attacks them. In metaphors, in fairy tales, in odes and in unflinching criticism. Lyrical language abounds and creates images that resonate in their ability to capture pain, rage, triumph and resilience.
There’s a distinct voice noticeable throughout these largely unconnected poems. You get a feel of what Bashe wants to tell you, without them screaming it in your face. Sometimes you start reading about a cat hunting sunbeam, unsuspecting, until you are hit with what you really should have seen coming. Trauma turns into lessons learned turns into warning turns into determinations.
Let’s say maladies are flattering. Let’s banish illness as a failure of spirit and rejoice in the unspeakable stories being told. BEAUTIFUL MALADY will hold your hand and lead you along.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
BEAUTIFUL MALADY examines these tropes and attacks them. In metaphors, in fairy tales, in odes and in unflinching criticism. Lyrical language abounds and creates images that resonate in their ability to capture pain, rage, triumph and resilience.
There’s a distinct voice noticeable throughout these largely unconnected poems. You get a feel of what Bashe wants to tell you, without them screaming it in your face. Sometimes you start reading about a cat hunting sunbeam, unsuspecting, until you are hit with what you really should have seen coming. Trauma turns into lessons learned turns into warning turns into determinations.
Let’s say maladies are flattering. Let’s banish illness as a failure of spirit and rejoice in the unspeakable stories being told. BEAUTIFUL MALADY will hold your hand and lead you along.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2023
Beautiful Malady is the kind of book that will stay with you for a long time.
It’s just as the title describes, beautiful, but also very painful. The soul of one with chronic illness is laid bare in this book. It explores themes such as the disconnect between body and mind, how society looks upon those who are not the picture of health.
This short collection of poems describes not only the pain that a person with a disability and/or chronic illness experiences. But also, the exceptions, rejection and gaslighting (medical and emotional) that society places on them. You can be ill, but you must be brave. You can be in pain but must be strong. You can be disabled, but it must be visible. You must survive or die, but not stay anywhere in between.
If you or someone you know has chronic illness, or have experienced disease, or are disabled, I recommend that you read this book. Or even if you want to see the world from a new perspective. Either it will be reaffirming or eye opening or both.
It’s just as the title describes, beautiful, but also very painful. The soul of one with chronic illness is laid bare in this book. It explores themes such as the disconnect between body and mind, how society looks upon those who are not the picture of health.
This short collection of poems describes not only the pain that a person with a disability and/or chronic illness experiences. But also, the exceptions, rejection and gaslighting (medical and emotional) that society places on them. You can be ill, but you must be brave. You can be in pain but must be strong. You can be disabled, but it must be visible. You must survive or die, but not stay anywhere in between.
If you or someone you know has chronic illness, or have experienced disease, or are disabled, I recommend that you read this book. Or even if you want to see the world from a new perspective. Either it will be reaffirming or eye opening or both.
August 12, 2023
I read this in the space of a few nights, and it was an absolutely gorgeous collection. It zigs and zags between a fairy tale of sorts that is a multi part poem throughout the book, and queer, disabled anger but in a way that isn't meant to be nicely palatable for the mainstream. (I also know the work of the cover artist and yes that is who you think it is on the cover, lol.) Definitely interested in more from Bashe, and I'll be looking for more of their work in the future!
June 23, 2023
This had just the right mix of magical realism to balance the realist mentality. These were vulnerable in a way I was not expecting from pieces that use the fantastical to talk about pain. Thank you to Interstellar Flight Press for the complimentary copy
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December 6, 2023When I responded to an email asking me if I would like a physical copy of this book to review, I quickly said yes because the tagline of "queerness, disability, and myth" caught my eye. I wasn't aware that it was poetry until I had the book in my hands, but that didn't lower my enjoyment overall! I'm not normally a person who seeks out poetry (mostly because I just don't understand it a lot of the time) so I was looking forward to the challenge this would bring. Surprising myself, I flew through this. The poems never went over my head and I was able to sit with the themes of every poem and fully understand what the author's intentions were. This was definitely an exploration of queerness, disability, and myth but it's also more than that. The author pulled from their own experiences of disability in a way that was heartwrenching and their own queerness in a way that feels close to home. A few poems stood out more than others to me, but overall I enjoyed the experience of reading this short collections of poems. The reason I am not leaving a star rating is simply because I wish the poems told an overall story, but that is completely my own preference. If I were to rate it for my own preferences, that would be unfair to the representation and the author's work. That being said, I would rate it a 4 if what I want didn't bring my enjoyment down.
Thank you to Intersteller Flight Press for providing me with an ARC copy to review
Thank you to Intersteller Flight Press for providing me with an ARC copy to review
June 2, 2023
Disclaimer: I was gifted an advanced readers copy of this book from netgalley and I'm reviewing it voluntarily.
As a chronically ill, rpg and poetry enjoying queer person, finding poetry about being chronically ill and queer is a very specific niche. Before today I've never read anything that has those themes in it. I love that Ennis takes something that has distressing connotation and makes it beautiful. Stories about disabled characters can be difficult to find, and when we do find them they tend to make the character a sign of strength and 'despite everything they persevered' and lemme just say -- they all make it glaringly obvious that the person writing it isn't disabled. And disabled characters are written so blandly. Their disabilities are viewed as obstacles, rather than part of the character itself. Disability isn't always this ugly thing no one can talk about. As a disabled person, it gets infuriating. Ennis takes something that has its challenges and it's not always pretty all the time and turns it into something amazing. The fantasy aspects of it are great too. I loved the authors note at the end too--sometimes our characters are faced with pain and struggle to pull ourselves up and over the ledge, but we always make it in the end. I love that it takes rpg aspects into it--disabled characters as robots, cryptids, wizards. It's awesome.
As a chronically ill, rpg and poetry enjoying queer person, finding poetry about being chronically ill and queer is a very specific niche. Before today I've never read anything that has those themes in it. I love that Ennis takes something that has distressing connotation and makes it beautiful. Stories about disabled characters can be difficult to find, and when we do find them they tend to make the character a sign of strength and 'despite everything they persevered' and lemme just say -- they all make it glaringly obvious that the person writing it isn't disabled. And disabled characters are written so blandly. Their disabilities are viewed as obstacles, rather than part of the character itself. Disability isn't always this ugly thing no one can talk about. As a disabled person, it gets infuriating. Ennis takes something that has its challenges and it's not always pretty all the time and turns it into something amazing. The fantasy aspects of it are great too. I loved the authors note at the end too--sometimes our characters are faced with pain and struggle to pull ourselves up and over the ledge, but we always make it in the end. I love that it takes rpg aspects into it--disabled characters as robots, cryptids, wizards. It's awesome.
August 1, 2023
3/5
Received as Arc from NetGalley
Positives:
The poetry is visceral and thought-provoking. All the poems are fairly straightforward, easy, and quick to read. I would highly recommend this book to someone who is getting into poetry. The structure of the poems suits the tone of the poems well. While I'm not physically disabled nor do I have a terminal illness, Bashe's poetry brings me there with real and authentic brutality.
Negatives:
This should have been a book I could read in one sitting with no problem, but it wasn't. It was a little boring and repetitive at times. Maybe I just didn't feel a connection to it because I don't understand the perspective being discussed, but it didn't stick with me. I enjoyed it and felt it while I was reading, but I haven't felt anything since and can't really remember much about it.
This is a decent poetry book that really makes you think about being on death's door. I would recommend this to those who may be just getting into poetry books because I feel it's an easy read, despite the heavier subject matter.
Received as Arc from NetGalley
Positives:
The poetry is visceral and thought-provoking. All the poems are fairly straightforward, easy, and quick to read. I would highly recommend this book to someone who is getting into poetry. The structure of the poems suits the tone of the poems well. While I'm not physically disabled nor do I have a terminal illness, Bashe's poetry brings me there with real and authentic brutality.
Negatives:
This should have been a book I could read in one sitting with no problem, but it wasn't. It was a little boring and repetitive at times. Maybe I just didn't feel a connection to it because I don't understand the perspective being discussed, but it didn't stick with me. I enjoyed it and felt it while I was reading, but I haven't felt anything since and can't really remember much about it.
This is a decent poetry book that really makes you think about being on death's door. I would recommend this to those who may be just getting into poetry books because I feel it's an easy read, despite the heavier subject matter.
October 1, 2023
I was instantly intrigued by this collection when I saw it on NetGalley. Disability poetry? It's written for me.
If I were reading a physical copy, every line would be annotated, highlighted, underlined.
Ennis Rook Rashe creates a taste of fantasy amidst the disability rep, using beautiful and fantastical language to highlight the clashing battle that having a disability is for both the person, and the loved ones helping them.
Rashe speaks the harsh facts of how disabilities can often be romanticised. Many of the poems in the collection explore how media only wants to hear about recovery stories, not the stories of people who cannot recover. To that, they want to be blissfully unaware. They only want happy stories; they want to hide the rest of us.
There's a flavour here for everyone. Whilst my disability experience doesn't line up with the poets (as everyone's experience is unique), the words still resonated. The poet touches on a number of topics: the struggle, romanticisation through representation, the inevitability through old age.
If I were reading a physical copy, every line would be annotated, highlighted, underlined.
Ennis Rook Rashe creates a taste of fantasy amidst the disability rep, using beautiful and fantastical language to highlight the clashing battle that having a disability is for both the person, and the loved ones helping them.
Rashe speaks the harsh facts of how disabilities can often be romanticised. Many of the poems in the collection explore how media only wants to hear about recovery stories, not the stories of people who cannot recover. To that, they want to be blissfully unaware. They only want happy stories; they want to hide the rest of us.
There's a flavour here for everyone. Whilst my disability experience doesn't line up with the poets (as everyone's experience is unique), the words still resonated. The poet touches on a number of topics: the struggle, romanticisation through representation, the inevitability through old age.
June 5, 2023
I want to buy multiple copies of this book and put it directly into the hands of more than a few friends with chronic illnesses, or who have suffered even the smallest microaggression in the hands of a medical provider. I want to share it with every person who's been told "it's just anxiety" or already judged by the shape of their body or the color of their skin or the timbre of their voice.
This short poetry book really beautifully gets into the griefs and horrors of living with chronic illness in a world where healthcare is a ticket line, a voice calling 'next!' as quickly as a human mouth can say the word. I think it's truly important to read even for those who haven't ever felt mistreated by a nurse or doctor or someone on a help line, who's never had to advocate for themselves or a loved one-- because so many of us have.
Thank you to NetGalley and Interstellar Flight Press for the free copy in exchange for this honest review!
This short poetry book really beautifully gets into the griefs and horrors of living with chronic illness in a world where healthcare is a ticket line, a voice calling 'next!' as quickly as a human mouth can say the word. I think it's truly important to read even for those who haven't ever felt mistreated by a nurse or doctor or someone on a help line, who's never had to advocate for themselves or a loved one-- because so many of us have.
Thank you to NetGalley and Interstellar Flight Press for the free copy in exchange for this honest review!
June 10, 2023
This poetry collection is a masterpiece and a must-read for anyone who has ever had difficulties with their own body. This author gets it. They have such vivid imagery and are quick to call out medical abuse and gaslighting. Like when someone refuses to order tests, or calls you a hypochondriac. Or when a doctor thinks they know better than you even though you have lived experience of your disease. There were several poems that I bookmarked because they had me pointing at the page and going "Yes! That's it!" I couldn't have articulated the sentiment as well as Bashe does, but I have the same feelings, and they have expressed those feelings beautifully. This is a special collection. And the cover is absolutely gorgeous.
*I received a review copy from Interstellar Flight Press in exchange for an honest review.*
*I received a review copy from Interstellar Flight Press in exchange for an honest review.*
June 25, 2023
Beautiful Malady by Ennis Rook Bashe is a queer journey through corporeal suffering and defiant joy. A collection of lyrical imagination, Bashe takes us on a journey through medical trauma to sexual pleasure that includes magic, robots, and necromancy. It is both well balanced in terms of language and musicality, and themes of saccharine melancholy. I would love nothing more but to scream it from mountain tops. As a chronically ill person myself, I too would call out to and worship the “goddess of cryogenics… gemstone dragon’s-hoard glass eyes… [and] cyborgs.” Bashe describes this collection as a “book of alibis,” where they can explore things that are not them, or an extension of them, or them at their extremes, and I adore the imagery of nightmarish hospitals, alchemy, and wingless angels. Despite it all, Bashe teaches us about a crippled body that deserves to live.
May 15, 2023
I am not the biggest poetry person but this collection was just incredible. I barely have the words to convey how incredible this was. I'd read each poem, think that was going to be favourite, then move on to the next poem and love that one just as much (if not more). Particular favourites were: Changelings (Migratory Legend Type 5805), Trauma Is For People Who Fear Death, the universe and all others, Death Is A Lesbian And She Can Pick Me Up and all of the rose ghost poems. I just loved the weaving of fantasy and sci-fi themes and concepts in with real experiences of living with a disability. I also think the author's note is definitely worth a read is this one, it definitely added to all the poetry. All in all, just a beautiful masterpiece that I cannot recommend enough.
June 10, 2023
My thanks to Interstellar Flight Press for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘Beautiful Malady Poems’ by Ennis Rook Bash.
I tend to approach poetry a little gingerly though I was drawn to this collection by the publishers’ description of it being “speculative poems about fairy tales, folklore, fantasy, and the supernatural with the reality of chronic illness and disability.”
I am very drawn to the subject matter explored and appreciated that the poems were short and focused.
Indeed, from the first poem through to the last I found that I could relate deeply to Ennis Rook Bashe’s poems and am certainly happy to recommend this unique and powerful collection.
In addition, I found the cover art very striking and it certainly enticed me to explore the poetry within.
I tend to approach poetry a little gingerly though I was drawn to this collection by the publishers’ description of it being “speculative poems about fairy tales, folklore, fantasy, and the supernatural with the reality of chronic illness and disability.”
I am very drawn to the subject matter explored and appreciated that the poems were short and focused.
Indeed, from the first poem through to the last I found that I could relate deeply to Ennis Rook Bashe’s poems and am certainly happy to recommend this unique and powerful collection.
In addition, I found the cover art very striking and it certainly enticed me to explore the poetry within.
June 18, 2023
At first I wasn't sure how I felt about this collection. The form felt off and it felt a bit messy. But once I got more into it I was truly blown away by the emotion and creativity in these poems. The imagery was so powerful. They felt desperate and hopeless but also beautiful, romantic and optimistic at times. I haven't read poetry like it.
Bashe merges fantasy and sci-fi with hard-hitting realities of life being chronically disabled. As someone who has had hospital admissions and knows what it feels like to feel like you're dealing with something nobody else understands, these poems really spoke to me.
I really wish that everyone who loves poetry will find these poems and be as moved as I was.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!
Bashe merges fantasy and sci-fi with hard-hitting realities of life being chronically disabled. As someone who has had hospital admissions and knows what it feels like to feel like you're dealing with something nobody else understands, these poems really spoke to me.
I really wish that everyone who loves poetry will find these poems and be as moved as I was.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!
June 20, 2023
The poems collected here are interesting and compelling, and are sure to raise some controversy in the disability community, especially because author Bashe struggles with loathing her chronically ill body and trying to find a way to live with it with pride and care. Her demonification of her illness and body is at times understandable but more often problematic: her combative, disparaging sorties to her own organs and systems is potentially very triggering for readers who are chronically ill or disabled, and runs contrary to the anti-eugenicist advocacy practiced by many in the disabled community. While Bashe's writing is imaginative and original and clearly passionate, I can only recommend this with extreme caution.
June 21, 2023
I don't typically sit and read poetry, but I couldn't help but want to give Beautiful Malady a chance. As a queer, disabled person I found great comfort in many of these short poems. I felt seen, I felt heard, I sat in the sadness and anger felt by many, but also revelled in the strength and beauty there is to find in the community. My personal favourite was 'pain son', which had me laughing over our shared love for the furry gremlins we cat parents have, be they 4, 3 or even 2 legged companions.
I definitely recommend giving Beautiful Malady a go, regardless of if you enjoy poetry or not. The only issue I had was that the kindle edition didn't seem very well formatted, making it difficult to read at times.
I definitely recommend giving Beautiful Malady a go, regardless of if you enjoy poetry or not. The only issue I had was that the kindle edition didn't seem very well formatted, making it difficult to read at times.
June 2, 2023
Despite being quite short, this book was filled to the brim with emotions, escapism, and determination. There were a few poems that stood out to me in particular, such as Mad, Without Scientist, or Changelings (Migratory Legend Type 5805). I loved how the author incorporated disability into fantastical situations. We can always stand to have more disability rep in our literature, and the author did it justice. I also loved the author's note at the end. It tied the whole book together and perfectly summed up the reason for why the author writes. Also, as a side note, I am now thoroughly interested in reading their romance series, and will definitely be picking it up!
June 8, 2023
*Thank you NetGalley for the advanced readers copy of this book
This book is dark and beautiful. I imagine it as a garden, though the cover art has likely influenced that idea. It is a collection of poetry. Poetry is not typically something that I enjoy, however this one stole my heart. I loved reading them and feeling the power and intent behind each chosen word. The poems focus on chronic illness, abilities, trauma, and is beautifully woven. It certainly has fantasy elements, which are my favorite. I loved rose ghost and how the text flowed. It provides insight into the minds of others, touching on hard topics whilst still managing to be whimsical in the same instance.
This book is dark and beautiful. I imagine it as a garden, though the cover art has likely influenced that idea. It is a collection of poetry. Poetry is not typically something that I enjoy, however this one stole my heart. I loved reading them and feeling the power and intent behind each chosen word. The poems focus on chronic illness, abilities, trauma, and is beautifully woven. It certainly has fantasy elements, which are my favorite. I loved rose ghost and how the text flowed. It provides insight into the minds of others, touching on hard topics whilst still managing to be whimsical in the same instance.
September 26, 2023
"Beautiful Malady" is a poetry book like no other. I've delved into the world of poetry quite extensively, but this collection offered me a unique and enchanting experience. What truly captivated me were the recurrent supernatural and fairy tale themes that wove their way through the verses.
In a world where difference and disability is often stigmatised or ignored, "Beautiful Malady" presents a refreshing perspective. The poems embrace the idea that having a disability can be a source of beauty, strength, and resilience. It's a sentiment rarely expressed so eloquently in literature, and it resonated deeply with me.
In a world where difference and disability is often stigmatised or ignored, "Beautiful Malady" presents a refreshing perspective. The poems embrace the idea that having a disability can be a source of beauty, strength, and resilience. It's a sentiment rarely expressed so eloquently in literature, and it resonated deeply with me.
November 12, 2023
Poetry with beautiful imagery and powerful stories. Some of them have a closeness to them, allowing reality to push through the fantastical. There's a nice balance of a lyrical style contrasted with tart modern language.
"my mother calls me into the living room every time there's a disabled performer on reality television" is one gorgeous piece where the poem really punches through into the here and now.
I almost wish I had the author's note first. It gave some lovely context to the poems that I would have appreciated reading beforehand. (And I, too, have shaved my head in a fit of gender.)
"my mother calls me into the living room every time there's a disabled performer on reality television" is one gorgeous piece where the poem really punches through into the here and now.
I almost wish I had the author's note first. It gave some lovely context to the poems that I would have appreciated reading beforehand. (And I, too, have shaved my head in a fit of gender.)
April 21, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read this!
The poetry here is very interesting, it’s rooted not only in fantasy and science but also calls out those who have never had to doubt the reliability of their own body. The language is at times a lovely rhythm, but occasionally something so casual and abrupt would appear in a way that I enjoyed a lot. Such as a simple ‘sure?’ in the middle of a dramatic moment.
Most of the poems are disconnected but the rose ghost, which reads like a fairy tale is broken up and slotted throughout.
The poetry here is very interesting, it’s rooted not only in fantasy and science but also calls out those who have never had to doubt the reliability of their own body. The language is at times a lovely rhythm, but occasionally something so casual and abrupt would appear in a way that I enjoyed a lot. Such as a simple ‘sure?’ in the middle of a dramatic moment.
Most of the poems are disconnected but the rose ghost, which reads like a fairy tale is broken up and slotted throughout.
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