Disturbance

by Ivy Alvarez

Disturbance is a novel in verse by Ivy Alvarez that chronicles a multiple homicide, a tragic case of domestic violence, where a family was gunned down by the husband and father.

The book features poems in a kaleidoscope of voices from all the characters involved. We first meet the family itself and witness how the father's controlling attitude gradually escalates into violence. Then we get the aftermath: the authorities, police and neighbours, who all might have helped to prevent this tragedy. This is a very dark book, but a courageous one, ultimately about evil and its presence in our everyday lives. The fact that this family was relatively well-to-do, seemingly prosperous and well-connected, adds another layer of intrigue and mystery. There is some graphic violence, but the emphasis is on the characters and their motivations.

Genres: Poetry, Crime

87 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2013

About the author

Ivy Alvarez is the author of Disturbance (Wales, UK: Seren Books).
Her latest collection is Diaspora: Volume L (Paloma Press).
Her poetry appears in anthologies, literary journals and new media worldwide and online.
Wikipedia entry here.

Reviews

[Tris Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Through its beautiful verse, Disturbance offers a unique storytelling style without holding back on the horrors of domestic violence. It’s a bold and captivating novel that shines a light on abuse through the characters’ internal spaces. The book tackles complex subjects of domestic abuse, dehumanization of victims, and police unwilling to intervene. Alvarez’s utilization of different voices and text spacing magnify the intensity of each page, leaving the reader to ponder on the story that unraveled and how it serves as a reflection of the real world.

[Anna Sinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

09/25
4/5
Quite a cinematic feel to this collection/story. There’s a noticeable crescendo of voices, emotion and action throughout, culminating in some hard-hitting, tense poems detailing the night of the murders.

01/20
5/5

[Michaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

terrific poetry. such powerful images and a topic that can't have been easy to write about - you won't get these poems out of your head in a hurry.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This text deals with the increasingly present phenomenon of the alienated father/husband turned family-murderer. Profoundly affecting as it is beautiful and disturbing.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such fantastic poetry. I loved this.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brutal and exactly written. Would recommend.

[Miks Kapsis · Rating 4 out of 5]

An original way to tell a story. A very interesting, emotional book. Suggest it to poetry fanatics.