From Persephone, With Love

by Emily Brandt

"It seems these days all I do is bring death to what I cherish most."

Persephone is the Goddess of Spring and the Queen of the Underworld. Juggling this dichotomy is not easy for anyone, but Persephone wishes to be known as more than Hades' wife. Through this poetry collection, we follow Persephone through the course of a year. Her life before Hades, her abduction, and her ultimate return in Spring.

Genres: Poetry

98 pages, Paperback

Published September 21, 2023

Reviews

[Rana Najjar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't get enough of Emily's poetry. It's just so so good. I do admit that the first book "Love Letter from Hades" is stronger than this one and it is still one of my favourite modern poetry books ever.

I wish that you could see
the beauty of it all
The way the colors bloom
and the summer leaves that shiver

The sun with its pink mornings
And nights of staying true
The bees that buzz "hello"
And the iris' shade of blue

Like your soul matches mine
Though far away we are
Touching my heart I find
You have left a scar

[Hugo Merckx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished the arc i got for this book. This is a companion book to love letters from hades, which i also read and loved.
In my opinion this one is just that little bit better, it's more coherent and fluent as a story. The writing and the style of the poems are done in a way that makes it easy to visualise, like you're right there with Persephone.
Highly recommend this one.

[Alyssa - Nerdy Nurse Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily is back with her companion to Love Letters From Hades. This new poetry collection follows Persephone through the seasons. We see her struggle with her separation from Hades but also from the real world. I found the Winter section to be my favorite. It's dark and raw in all the best ways. I loved this collection but more importantly I love watch my friend grow as an author!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This poetry collection is the companion to Love Letters from Hades and this time, it's written from Persephone's perspective of being a woman and moving through the seasons with and without her lover. The writing was beautiful. The lines of poetry appeared more sentence-like in structure which made it unique. Heartfelt and a great companion to the previous collection. Again, I would recommend both poetry collections if you are a fan of Lore Olympus! My one suggestion is to do a solid proofread before release of the final published copy.
* This ARC was sent to me in exchange for a review. *

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an absolutely beautiful companion and I highly highly recommend. I’ve been reading it as I’ve been in the process of moving continents and finishing a thesis, and I’ve just felt so connected to Persephone. Emily does a brilliant job of sharing Persephone’s voice it really feels like she’s right there with you as you read. A magical reworking of one of my favourite myths. Thanks so much for the arc, it was amazing.

One of the poems that really stuck with me:

“Cover my bruises in mud
Slick as the hours of the night
Bathe me in the minerals of earth
I want to live for a tomorrow
That I will miss”

[Sivan Ben-David · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in this companion story was Love letters to Hades. It was a poetry collection featuring Hades love for Persephone but also was a reflection of how Hades saw himself and his inner struggle with self worth and belonging within the relationship.
Much the same, Persephone with Love is more than just love poems but a story of being a woman and the self exploration of discovering who you are.
Beautifully done and a joy to read. I would recommend this to anyone who loves poetry and stories that explore the human condition.

[Carrie Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great set of poems, this time from Persephone’s perspective. I didn’t enjoy this as much as the first volume but I enjoyed seeing the difference between Persephone’s feelings about their relationship. There are so many beautiful lines in these poems and I know I will definitely pick this and the first up again.

“For you deserve to see it most of all.
I find I miss you in the moments between breaths…

I find I miss myself when I am alone
Surrounded by those who claim to know me
Wishing to be back with someone who does
Safely in my nest.”

[Emily Brandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi there!
I wrote this book. It is the companion to my last poetry collection, Love Letters From Hades. I am so excited and proud to share this story with you from Persephone's perspective. I hope you love it and find yourself in these pages as much as I do.

[Jennifer Coppenhall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I though these poems conveying her story were brilliant, I couldn’t put it down, I love the use of imagery and the language used really helped me feel as I was there listening to her tell me in person. Well written 😃

[Lauren Arnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an absolutely lovely book of poetry!!!! I loved the concept so much. Going to read the book of Poems from Hades next!

[Margot Correa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sobbed