Here Are the Tears I You We Didn't Cry

by Vianney Harelly

Here Are the Tears I You We Didn't Cry is a series of love letters in the form of poetry written in Spanglish from the point of view of the oldest daughter in a Mexican family. The poems include letters to family, culture, identity, past, present and future generations as a way to inspire and support inner child and generational trauma healing within Latine families and communities. The book is half Spanglish, the original fronteriza language, and half translated to Spanish by the author herself.

Genres: Poetry

389 pages, Paperback

Published December 2, 2022

Reviews

[Mariana Arriaga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a beautiful and lyrical collection of poems. I definitely feel like it’s a must read for all who have a complicated relationship with their parents. I loved it so much I bought the book not only for myself but for my 2 sisters. I would love to read more of her work in the future. Particularly poems revolving around identity.

I did dock a star because the poems are very repetitive and I feel like it could have been condensed had some been combined.

[Marlen · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite poets of this century. I really resonate with the way that she composes her pieces. I shared the book with my mom, and she really connected with it as well, and I appreciate that opportunity to translate pain and sorrow into my first language.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

literally one of the best and most personal hitting books i’ve ever read i cry everytime i read her books in a good way

[alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book for two reasons. One: the unique use of Spanish, English, Spanglish. This author continuously, across her poetry, emphasizes the fronteriza language experience. I haven’t seen writing that exposes language in that way and I feel it is important to highlight in media. Two: the sheer vulnerability. Context is key and here there’s no question of the cultural significance in revealing family history. Revealing emotional history, now that’s revolutionary (Anzaldua… anyone?). I think this book and author has given an example of facilitating and experiencing one’s own Conocimiento (aka it hits home sometimes 🥲). It challenges the reader to face their own hurt in order to move forward with breaking future cycles. I would go a step forward to say that the author is also pointing us into battling that hurt for our current cycles, which may be more difficult to achieve.

[Leslie Rodríguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un poemario doloroso, pero necesario, nuestra generación y la pasada deberían leer sus letras para ambos aprender a sanar.
Hasta ahora no había encontrado palabras que describieran mejor el trauma generacional que varios vivimos al ser de familias latinas, traumas y ciclos que intentamos romper. Un proceso para nada fácil, doloroso y la mayoría de veces solitario, pues somos "las locas de la familia", sin embargo la pluma de Vianney ayuda al lector, tomándole de la mano y acompañarle en este cierre.
Espero leer pronto más de ella.

[Empanadani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this felt like stepping into a lake of someone's stream of consciousness as they figure out and sort out the chaos of their deep sadness towards their parents'relationship, and that lake reflects your own. It was cathartic. I cried porque si no lloramos no se acaban las sequías del país. Gracias.

[Natasha Colo · Rating 5 out of 5]

So beautifully written. Took me on such an emotional ride. Had to share it with my mom.

[Picka Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amo la poesía de Vianney. Cada vez que la leo me dan unas ganas tremendas de escribir. Inspiración 100%

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear and empathic writing. A few poems had me on the verge of tears. However, the content can be repetitive at times.

[Gris Soto · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a bilingual person coming from immigrant parents, this is the perfect book for healing your inner child. A lot of self healing and forgiveness. ❤️

[Nathalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

book is wet of tears, can not get over how validated words have made me feel. pages, words on white space, ohhhh so good.

[dahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

i’ve never been one for poetry but christ these poems are incredible

[Marissa Cueva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vianney is one of my favorite poets, that said this collection in particular was very repetitive. Perhaps a testament to how far she’s grown as a poet!

[Anastasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking, healing, and so gently crafted. The world needs more poets like Harelly.