Red Corner: A Poetry Anthology

by Dawn Web

Red Corner is not merely a poetry book. It is a story about the human the inexplicable moments that are held in beauty, the everlasting treacherous nights, the alluring uncertainty, vastly convoluted experiences and the unique nature of individuals, inherently, making us one and the same.

Written and illustrated by Dawn Web, photographed by Angelina Wrona and published by Vivid Illusion Creative Studios Inc. Red Corner is part one of the collection Primary Series and showcases their poem "Flashbacks" which is also featured inFathom Editorial (Creative Writing Journal). Dawn's raw and vulnerable tone explores themes of identity, love, growth, perseverance, and navigating intergenerational trauma aftermath to crack open the cycle. They strive to bring individuals closer to themselves and others through art.

Genres: Poetry, LGBT

234 pages, Paperback

Published March 26, 2024

About the author

Dawn Web is a queer and neurodivergent individual, born and raised in a small town in Ottawa, Ontario, and comes from a conservative mixed-race family of six. Dawn has been creating and exploring multiple mediums as coping strategies for as long as they can remember. Dawn is a multi-media artist, first place award-winning dancer, feature author for Fathom: Creative Writing Journal, feature multi-instrumentalist in the band Wool Sweater, and is the Creative Director for Vivid Illusion Creative Studios Inc. They moved to Halifax, NS, where they completed a Bachelor of Science with a Specialization in Neuroscience and Psychology at Dalhousie University and took a class in creative writing. This led them to pursue a career as a First Responder, Child and Youth Counsellor, Research Assistant, a Personal Support Caretaker, and finally an Author and Multidisciplinary Artist.

Reviews

[Susan Atherly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poetry is a very personal genre. Poems can change one person's life while leaving another untouched. Dawn Web has put together a strong, well crafted collection in this anthology. The writing and construction are masterful.

Unfortunately, for whatever reason, these poems did not move me, even though I enjoyed them. Like I said, poetry is very personal and I may read them again in 6 months and have a totally different experience. Your speed may vary but I am comfortable in saying that most poetry lovers will enjoy this collection!

I would like to thank the publisher for gifting me a Kindle copy of this in a GoodReads Giveaway.

[Sierra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this anthology, as I connected to some of the events that were written. I appreciated the essay that explained more that I didn't understand from the poems.

I think my interest peaked when the author shared their experience coming out. This is where I also connected to the poems very deeply. The raw emotion that was portrayed helped me understand more of what the author was feeling, which allowed me to have a deeper connection to the stories being told.

I enjoyed this book overall, I really liked it and how I connected to it on some levels. I am thankful I got the opportunity through Goodreads to read this because I am not sure I would have heard about this book otherwise. I haven't heard of many LGBTQ+ anthologies, which was my interest.

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

“ A Letter to Myself—

I’m so proud of you
All you have endured
All that you continue to
All that you profess (even through you are a mess)
All that you are
All that you do
And what you do not

Everything you are chasing
Keep on chasing those dreams

You are a tiger
You’ll rest in the lion’s den

I love you
Thank you for supporting me
Always being there for me
And I forgive you for when
All you knew was to hurt me
I know you were breaking
I know you were doing the best that you knew how to You have grown so much
From the start
Leave room to grow
There’s so much more
To go “

[Taya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe you don't remember
It was not a significant event in life for you
But i have carried this with me
Ive unpacked my bags
The picked them back up
I will always
Unpack
Just to repack
But its getting l i g h t e r
slowly
- Red Corner: A poetry Anthology by Dawn Web

This was a beautiful and compelling read, filled with heartbreak and healing. The quote above stood out to me simply because it resonated so much with what trying to recover from trauma is like, What it feels like when no one around you truly knows what you are dealing with inside. When you are finally starting to heal, slowly, very slowly the bag starts to feel lighter..

[Mélina N-T · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of the book from the author and I am leaving my honest feedback.
I really liked it. It's captivating.
We really feel the pain and other emotions.
Well tought out and poetically so vibrant that the words sometimes blended into a sad melody.
Thank you.

[Danielle | danielle.reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is hard to revisit the past, but it is even more difficult to share about it with the public.

It has been a while since I have read a poetry book, let alone a poetry anthology and it was a great reset compared to all the other fiction books I’ve been reading lately. Dawn creates such imagery in their poems about various moments in their life, and really grabs your emotions into it the writing.

Overall, it was an emotional read, but very subtle in how it grabs your attention before pulling you into the story.

[Tihare · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF
Tried many times to get into it but it wasn't my type of poetry

[Heather Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing

I love poetry and I write poetry myself but even more than that I love poetry that I can relate to. Dawn talks about several things from sexual assault to living with mental illnesses to dissociation and even talks about self harm. I really loved reading the poems and I hope dawn continues to write more. I’d love to read more poems.

[Debby Jarvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this read. I would definitely recommend.

[Jordan Zehr · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got a free copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway so thank you Goodreads!!

I loved the concept and the cover was intriguing. The writing however, didn't resonate with me. I don't think I ever got the point the poet was trying to make in many of their poems. It felt just like pages of jumbled words over & over. I appreciate certain poetry styles are not for everyone so I hope this is someone else's cup of tea!

[Kendra Parker · Rating 1 out of 5]

Received this as a free ebook through a good reads give away. These poems were just not for me. They may be for you. They probably are if you enjoy authors such as r h sin, rupi kaur, and Amanda Lovelace.

[Melissa T · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't read poetry on a regular basis, but I try to be open to it. because I can usually find something to appreciate that will resonate with me in poetry collections. Unfortunately that was not the case with this collection.

I read a poem or two where individual lines would stick out to me, briefly. But, none I read where it got me to really thinking or saying to myself, "Oh, I know what they mean there."

This feels very jumbled, and at times, like random strings of words, just thrown onto pages. Sort of a stream of concisouness in a way.

I was very confused about the longer pieces in this anthology. While they provided context, I wasn't expecting to read longer pieces, so i felt like the vibe was a bit off in these sections.

While this wasn't my cup of tea, I'm sure there are people who will relate to this much better than I did.

*Please note I won a copy of this book via Goodreads Giveaways.*

[Mostly Sapphic Books · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to receive a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway.

Unfortunately, I didn’t particularly enjoy it. Too many of the early poems were lacking concrete imagery for me. I have no doubt that their admittedly sometimes pretty and clever turns of phrase meant something to the author, but I often could not grasp the narrative of the story the poems were trying to tell. Chapter 4 is a highlight. There was real meat in that story, raw and bloody. The more grounded poems in this anthology hinted at a compelling narrative, but they were drowned out by more airy poems full of metaphorical noise and, later on, too many sporadic poems spanning random, unconnected subjects. An essay in the middle of the book helps make sense of the themes, but it comes too late, lasts too long, and stunts the poetic rhythm.

Some of the ebook formatting was odd too. I couldn’t always tell if the structure was intentionally experimental or if it may have been an overlooked formatting error.

I connected to a few of these poems, but overall this collection just wasn’t for me. Someone particularly interested in the subject of trauma may get more out of this than I did, though.

[Bri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this in a Goodreads giveaway and I’m glad that I sat on it as long as I did because I was not in the right space to read this when I got it. It was beautiful. Thank you Dawn.

[Kendall Carroll · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. I will say that reading the Kindle version/formatting is a bit of a pain, but that has no relevance to my rating/review. Just something to keep in mind if you're about to download it yourself!

I consider myself a very casual poetry enjoyer. I think poetry is a work of art that I'm not very well-versed in, and as a result I'm not as confident reviewing a poetry book as I would be a whole narrative book. So, with full awareness of that, I did enjoy this collection of poems.

In particular, there were a lot of poems (particularly at the beginning) that played with words and how they sound/look, which I really enjoyed and thought was an effective writing technique. And there were many poems throughout that struck a cord with me.

Unfortunately, there were sometimes where it felt less like poetry written with intention and style and more like a sentence arbitrarily broken up across a few lines. This style of writing can have its moments, but in general I don't really vibe with it. However, in a book that has this many poems, a few of this style doesn't ruin the experience.

When poetry is so nonfictional, as this book is, I always like the glimpse into the author's brain. I imagine that those who have a more personal connection to these experiences will ultimately get more out of it (there were certainly some poems that my Anxiety Brain latched onto). Overall, though, it was a touching story of resilience, and I thought it was very well done.

[Ary · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t usually read poetry, but I have this book a shot. Some of the poems and sections were devastating. Some bit me hard. But the structure is hard to understand. I liked it, I liked the vulnerability, but I got lost a lot. This book was okay, but it kicked on my empathy, this book made me feel 🖤🫤

P.S. the art was beautiful

[Brittany Umberger · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive a free kindle version from a Goodreads giveaway. I really wanted to enjoy this. And in some sections I really did. I was able to relate, to understand the imagery and to grasp onto concepts. And then there are the poems that really felt like random lines that I could not dissect into any understanding.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this exceptional book, which focuses on themes of self-discovery and self-love. Many of the poems resonated with me personally, making for a truly heartwarming experience. Thank you for reconnecting me with the world of poetry.

[Annazetta Henderson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I guess when it comes to poems I look for those that rhyme, so when I read several of these I really had a very hard time understanding what the writer was going for.

[Becca Babcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Red Corner, Dawn Web chronicles their journey toward self-acceptance in ten chapters. The early chapters are spare, confessional, and often emotionally messy. Intimate, domestic spaces in Chapter 1. Surreal, and public spaces snd social interactions in Chapter 2. Enthalpy are rendered strange, uncanny, and disorienting. In the first half of the collection, Web typically favours economical, lyric poetry reminiscent of Phyllis Webb’s Naked Poems, but often plays with the rhythmic and declarative registers of slam poetry, sections of dialogue that call to mind screenwriting, and prose poems. This formal elasticity builds towards the sixth chapter, Vortex, a personal essay that chronicles the poet’s journey through mental illness, sexual assault, and sexual identity. If the voice in this chapter and the following—Backwards, a socially-minded section reminiscent of Karen Solie’s politically charged poetry—is confident, even strident, the path to that self-assurance has been traced in the earlier chapters, which reveal Web’s ambivalence, in terms of diagnosis, embodiment, illness, and treatment. In the final chapters, Web returns to an intimate and confessional voice that opens towards a greater sense of connectivity, community, and acceptance. Red Corner is more than a collection—it’s a carefully mapped journey that acknowledges the difficult and essential nature of self-acceptance.



Web’s first book is a great read—it’s complex, thoughtful, and engaging. The breadth and the depth of the writing in Red Corner promises that it won’t be the last from this ambitious, brave, and introspective young writer.

[Zyland Leduc · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I am half way through, I have decided to share my thoughts on the first half of the book:
-This anthology is a lovely and well thought-out description of exactly what it's like to live through these experiences. The writing style allows you to be emersed in their experiences and to understand their past in the comfort of your own safe space.
-They share intimate details and touch on heavy subject in a way that is digestible and allows a spot light on subjects that are normally taboo
-I really enjoy the flow, layout and composition of this piece, it adds a lot of layers and depth to the reading experience
-I adore the connection the titles have to each poem and how they provide context for what they are trying to portray to the reader
-I appreciate the various sectioning and having similar concepts corrugated together to create chapters that revolve around certain ideas and experiences
-I love the various types of poetry, writing styles and the strong vocabulary used to convey what the author was feeling and how they perceive the world around them
I am sure I will have more thoughts by the end however as I reach the half way mark, I thought now would be a good time to share preliminary opinions :)

[Rita Kiapway · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Dawn Web's poetry collection is a captivating exploration of emotions and experiences. Their words weave a tapestry of introspection and raw honesty, inviting readers into a world where vulnerability is celeberated. The poems are crafted with a delicate balance of vivid imagery and evocative language, creating a profound connection between the verses and the reader's own sentiments. Web's unique voice shines through, offering a refreshing perspective on life's complexities. This collection is a testament to her skillful expression and the ability to resonate with the depths of human emotions. A compelling read for anyone seeking a poetic journey that transcends boundaries and embraces the richness of the human experience.

[Candie Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book #158 2025
"Red Corner" by Dawn Web
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨️

This poetry collection is raw, magnetic, and beautifully vulnerable. Dawn Web takes you on a journey through trauma, healing, and self-acceptance, with imagery so vivid you can taste it. Not every poem hit me the same, but the ones that did; they’ll stay with me forever. Read it, then tell me which piece broke you, in the best way.
#BookTok #PoetryTok #RedCorner #BookReview #books #goodreads #goodreadsgiveaway

[LL · Rating 4 out of 5]

This felt like a journey. I appreciate the vulnerability/rawness of some moments and the wholeness/fulfillment of others. It feels like real growth is happening and that I'm a part of it. This also feels like the start of a series, I feel like the journey is not yet over.



I received a copy from Goodreads giveaway; all opinions are my own.

[Learie Spencer]

I was looking forward to reading this book. I read good reviews on this one. I won it through Goodreads. But I wasn’t able to download it from my kindle. There was a pop up saying unavailable to download this book. The item is not compatible with this device. I’m guessing it's the way they may have send it over. Does anyone know how to correct that?

[Luna Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kindle Unlimited. Let’s go; time for a rapid review session, as I had these things stockpiled for a few weeks now.

While I didn’t vibe with most of the poems here, they were all very well-written. Therefore, the high rating that it so rightfully deserves. And the cover is just brilliant.

[kaylee · Rating 1 out of 5]

man, this really wasn’t for me. poetry is very personal, and none of this resonated with me. unfortunately a lot of this sounded like a diary entry that wasn’t meant to be actually read by an audience.

won as a goodreads giveaway.

[Ben Spirak · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well executed and interesting book 🙏🏼

[Bushra Mahmood · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this poem because of the reality and meaning behind it. I felt as if the author, Dawn was really telling us the story of her life and the problems she has encountered.

[Becka · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was wonderful to read. deep and honest, I loved it. highly recommended.