Self Portrait

by E.M. McConnell

Self
Portrait
Are we the
sum of our parts
Or what
makes us human
Underneath?
Are we our face
Or our passions?
Are we a body?
Or a soul?

This collection of poetry by E.M. McConnell is designed to be more introspective, looking at nature, how it affects us, our inner worlds, how mirth can lift us, and of course what drives us, inspiration, and love.

147 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2024

About the author

Eryn was born and raised in the UK, emigrating to Germany in 2017. They work freelance and live with their family.
Eryn studied Poetry, Literature and Playwriting at University, continuing to write poetry. They began to write fiction in 2021, starting with fan fiction, then flash fiction, then short stories, and finally novellas and novels.
They describe themselves as a non genre specific writer, preferring to dip toes into different genres, stories and ideas. Currently they write Poetry, Fantasy, Dystopian, Scifi and Horror but they may diversify further in the future.

Reviews

[A.B. Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I opened ‘Self Portrait’, I did have high expectations as I’ve read much of this author’s work and it’s always been thought provoking. I’m very happy to report, this collection is of the same incredibly high standard.

The book is divided into a number of sections beginning with ‘Nature’ and it’s genuinely difficult to choose a favourite but if pushed, I’d say ‘Blizzard’, the line ‘the wind howls a stormy opera’ perfectly captures the moment.

We then are effortless led through ‘Mirth and Eccentricity’ to ‘Inner World.’ There are some great truths within these and the following sections that apply to us all, our own experiences mirrored within each stanza. As a side note, I do feel this is one of the author’s many strengths, that ability to combine beautiful lyricism with often harsh reality in a relatively few words. As an example, one poem entitled ‘Regret’ contains the lines ‘scars of wrong decisions, I wish I had done this better.’

I could go on, but this is a review not an essay! So I shall end by saying, this is a thoughtful, heartfelt collection of poetry which would grace any bookshelf and I have no hesitation in recommending anyone with a love of words to buy a copy.

[Mia Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book, so thanks to the author. All opinions here are my own.

Wow! I just finished this beautiful poetry book by Eryn. I had high expectations because Eryn is an amazingly talented and gifted author. And this book exceeded all my expectations. Eryn writes beautiful poetry, and I knew that beforehand. But this book definitely fed my poetry-loving soul with so many gems and masterpieces.

Reading this book felt like a constant warm hug and words of reassurance. I was reading this today after a rough day, and it almost made me cry a few times. My favorite sections were Love and Inner World.

Some of my favorite poems in this book are - Dawn, brave, the Window, Forget Me Not, Spring Days, poem, here, institution, yearning, and Inch by Inch.

There are so many beautiful quotes in this book that made me feel so many different emotions as I was reading. Thanks a ton to the author for allowing me to read. Definitely one of my favourite poetry reads of 2024 so far!

[kenneth m gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the distinct pleasure to read an advanced copy of Self Portrait by E.M. McConnell and it was an absolute joy to read. Self Portrait is a fitting title for this book of poems. While the author's writing lets the reader see into her own life, the joy and the sorrow I often felt some of the poems were just for me. Flying Home, Old Widow, Forget- Me- Not, and Barren struck home. I was also infatuated with Time Scientist, there was an entire novel there in fifteen lines. E.M .McConnell's collection of poems offered me a glimpse into her heart and soul while giving me the chance to look into my own.