Unbridled Damsel: A Poetry Collection of Fragments

by Stella Donato

Unbridled Damsel is a collection of fragments filled with raw intensity and a singular but monumental interpretation of the author's experience living in a Latine household. They navigate a space where femininity, sexuality, and their body are constantly scrutinized and endangered, both physically and psychologically. Through Donato's unique lens, we learn about the intersections of family, Latine identity, Spanish/English language, generational trauma, and so much more.

Unknown Binding

About the author

Stella Donato is an indie author who debuted in the literary realm with their first poetry collection, Bittersweetness, and then published their second poetry book, Blushing Muse. They will be releasing their third poetry book, Unbridled Damsel: A Poetry Collection of Fragments soon. They graduated with a BA (Hons) in English Education with a Creative Writing emphasis, obtained their teaching credentials, and their MA in English.

Donato loves coffee and matcha; listening to all types of music; writing poetry, short stories, and novels; reading manga, webtoons, and graphic novels; watching K-Dramas, anime, and other foreign films and television shows; and just experiencing life and being able to immerse themselves into other fictional worlds. They are working on several projects, such as an upcoming adult fantasy series, and look forward to publishing them soon.

You can keep up with them here:

Twitter:
@StellaDonato_


Instagram:
@stelladonatowrites


TikTok:
author_stelladonato


Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B0BCYQHFV9


Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...


Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...

Reviews

[KateJoanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite short in terms of number of poems, but they are all pretty lengthy. Nicely written poetry with a lovely tone and pace, the poems are all well developed unlike the usual ‘tumblr girl’ style.
A very heavy book with extensive trigger warnings, which are given at the beginning of the book.
I love the pretty cover and it’s a nicely formatted book, some line art inside as well.

Latine author and content on their heritage, experiences and sexuality. Their personality is not the most likeable or easy to swallow, but that’s the point, there are no apologies in this book.
The Author very clearly doesn’t care what people think about them or their attitude, I like that it is so honest and far from sugarcoated as it gets. It’s raw and vulgar and I like it.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Indie Visible (@hayley_a_writes) and the author for letting me be part of this tour.

Umbridled Damsel is a collection of raw, honest and heart breaking poetry. It raises so many issues in society and how they can affect us personally. This collection felt very much like very personal diary entries, and I applaud the author greatly for releasing them into the world for us to read and reflect upon.

I recommend all the poetry collections by this author :)

[Rachel Bowdler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbridled Damsel is by no means an easy read. The poems are violent, raw depictions of a childhood and adulthood experienced through the eyes of a queer Latine American narrator. I’m ashamed to admit I haven’t read many pieces on this topic, so this was eye-opening to say the least. Devastating to say the most. Beautiful for both of these things and more. The poems explore everything from family dynamics to sense of self, but a dark cloud lingers above almost every piece in the form of the patriarchy, and for that, I would label this stunningly, authentically feminist in a way that physically hurts.

To me, this is a collection about fighting. Fighting back. Resisting the boxes the narrator is forced into. Warring with generations of patriarchal violence and bringing it into the present day, into now, where strangers accost us on the street and we still cannot feel safe. Even the swift transition between English and Spanish provides this - breaking boundaries through language as well as feeling, like a heart-wrenching act of rebellion.

This is a story about one woman and every woman. One queer person and every queer person. This is a story about the world, and Donato’s ability to somehow tell it through the lens of one struggling individual, a span of generations, AND an entire flawed society all at once is a true talent.

Stella continues to amaze me with their loud, unapologetic words and the way they convey so much of what it is to be human in a world that demands something unreachable.

[Claire O'Connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title, "Unbridled Passion," aptly captures the essence of this collection by Stella Donato, as each poem seems to ooze with unrestrained emotion and fervour.
It’s a captivating anthology of poetry that delves deep into the raw intensity of the authors personal experiences, a mix of heartfelt confessions, romantic sentiments and vivid traumatic memories. The tones of hurt and anger are clear from the start.
Some standout pieces for me include “Whispers of the Heart”, which deeply captures the quiet moments of intimacy, and “Eternal Flame”, which conveys the enduring nature of love despite challenges.
Whether you are a seasoned poetry lover or new to the genre, this collection is bound to resonate

[N · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautiful collection of poetry by a queer first generation Latine American. They delve into the struggles of being a first-gen American, having a language barrier with their parents, the many times they were sexually harassed and assaulted, the racism they’d had to endure, the time they wanted to end their life, and much more! I related to so many aspects of Stella’s life, being an AFAB queer 1st gen Asian American myself that has also dealt with depression and suicidal attempts. Thank you, Stella, for being so vulnerable! I’m not sure that I could write so much raw emotion about my own traumas. Thank you for putting your book into the world!

[Alyssa (Cozy.Soul.Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this poetry collection! This is my second experience with Stella Donato's work and I'm so happy!

🌸📚🌈 The poems that stuck with me the most would have to be small chest thick thighs, period pains, and high femme fantasy.

✨️📚The art in the beginning and end to me just showed the growth of the poetry and the poets full circle reflection or being a emotionally vulnerable and strong person all at once. I loved every page and every poem that let me think introspectively as well. Favorite qoute below!

"Feeling cozy and safe and loved and sexy - all in one."

[Kiera J.]

While overall there was simply too much about these poems that I wasn’t comfortable with to rate this collection properly, I will definitely say that Donato knows how to weave stories into poems!
The inclusion of their Mexican heritage and culture, as well as their depictions of the challenges that come within the culture of being a first-generation immigrant, left me feeling like I better understood the experience, and even though I’ve never personally experienced it myself, it helped garner a new level of sympathy that I’d never previously experienced in this topic.

[Leigh Suel · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Unbridled Damsel: A Poetry Collection of Fragments” by Stella Donato is a journey through trauma, language barriers, consent, sexuality, and body image among other topics. The poems in this book are heartfelt and refreshingly original. With each poem, you can feel what the author was thinking when the words were written.
I was fortunate to receive an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raw and honest

Stella Donato's poetry collection 'Unbridled Damsel' has this really personal, biographical feel to it. The poems are written in this raw, emotionally honest way that just lets you connect with them on a deep level. As the poet bravely opens up about their family, identity, and cultural experiences, you can't help but find yourself drawn in and reflecting on your own life. It's the kind of poetry that really resonates and sticks with you.

[Reagen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A deep thought provoking collection of true to life poems with representation of mental health, BIPOC, and women. Stella has a talent for writing in such a personal way. The words allow you to understand a life and experiences you do not share.

[Amy B Garratt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vivid, raw, intense energy throughout this collection of poetry.