Selenophile

by Zara Smith

Selenophil e
(Selenophile is a term used to describe a person who has a strong affinity for the moon.)
by
Zara Smith

This is THE DARKER VERSION of MOONLIGHT.
A Poetry Collection of Narrative Poems.
Dark reflections given under moonlight musings and wanderings while exploring the forest and the fjords.
In its purity and candidacy
From behind-the-scenes abuse succumbed to by a high-class narcissist.
A survival story.


Trigger Warnings
Suicidal Thoughts
Swearing

Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2025

About the author

Age: 30ish
Tea/Coffee: Both
Cats/Dogs: Both
Hobbies:
Coffee shops and a pastry
Jogging
Hiking
Reading
Art
Writing
Long walks
Sleep
Movies
Travelling

Reviews

[Sameer Gudhate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some books reach into the depths of the soul, forcing readers to confront uncomfortable truths and hidden scars. Selenophile by Zara Smith is one such work—a raw, unfiltered, and deeply personal poetry collection that lays bare the horrors of abuse, trauma, and survival. Smith, through her evocative prose, presents a confessional narrative that is both haunting and cathartic. This is not just poetry; it is an unvarnished chronicle of pain and resilience, making it stand apart from conventional poetry collections.

At its core, Selenophile is a deeply autobiographical work that explores the journey of a woman trapped in an abusive environment, facing manipulation, coercion, and despair. The book weaves through stark portrayals of domestic abuse, emotional torment, and the author’s desperate search for an escape—both physically and mentally. Through fragmented memories, stark imagery, and deeply personal confessions, Smith tells a story that is harrowing yet deeply human. The recurring motif of the moon acts as a silent witness to the protagonist’s suffering, offering solace in an otherwise dark existence.

Smith’s writing is intensely visceral. Her free-verse poetry is unstructured yet compelling, mimicking the disarray of her lived experience. The language is raw, unapologetic, and often laced with profanity, which adds to its authenticity. The author masterfully uses repetition, fragmented sentences, and abrupt line breaks to convey distress, fear, and emotional turbulence. Unlike traditional poetry collections that may focus on aesthetic beauty, Selenophile thrives in its jagged, unpolished edges—mirroring the chaos of abuse and survival.

Though the book is a poetry collection, it almost reads like a novel due to its strong character presence. The unnamed protagonist (assumed to be the author herself) is trapped in a foreign land, dealing with a monstrous stepfather, an indifferent boyfriend, and a toxic family structure. The ‘Shadow Man’ and the stepfather are the primary antagonists—men who embody cruelty and dominance. The themes of control, power imbalance, and helplessness are omnipresent, making the reader feel the suffocation that the protagonist endures.

Unlike a traditional narrative, Selenophile unfolds in non-linear fragments, much like scattered memories. Each poem acts as a snapshot of trauma—some brief and cutting, others drawn out and suffocating. The lack of clear chronology forces the reader to experience the protagonist’s disorientation firsthand. The poetry moves seamlessly between the past and present, between moments of terror and fleeting hope, mirroring the unpredictability of an abusive environment.

The overarching themes in Selenophile are trauma, abuse, survival, and reclaiming one’s power. The book does not shy away from discussing difficult topics—suicidal thoughts, sexual coercion, and the psychological scars left by prolonged abuse. Another poignant theme is isolation—not just physical but emotional—as the protagonist is trapped in a foreign country with no support system. The work also delves into power dynamics within relationships, showing how control can be exerted in both overt and insidious ways.

This is not an easy book to read. The distressing imagery and unfiltered descriptions of abuse leave a lasting impact. Certain poems—such as those depicting nights of coercion, the protagonist’s hospitalization, and her eventual expulsion from the household—are especially heart-wrenching. Yet, despite its darkness, Selenophile carries a faint but undeniable glimmer of hope. By the end, the protagonist’s resilience takes center stage, turning the collection into a testament to survival rather than just suffering.

One of Selenophile’s greatest strengths is its brutal honesty. Smith does not sanitize or romanticize trauma; instead, she presents it in its rawest form, making the reader feel every ounce of fear, shame, and desperation. The poetry is immersive, dragging the audience into the protagonist’s world. Another strength is the book’s thematic depth—it does not just tell a personal story but also serves as a stark commentary on domestic abuse and the silencing of victims.

While the rawness of Selenophile is its biggest strength, it can also be a challenge for some readers. The fragmented structure and unfiltered language might feel overwhelming or difficult to navigate, especially for those unfamiliar with experimental poetry. Additionally, the lack of resolution or closure may leave some readers craving a more defined ending. However, given the nature of trauma, this unfinished feeling might actually be a deliberate artistic choice.

As a reader, Selenophile was both unsettling and profoundly moving. The book does not just tell a story—it makes you live it. The author’s vulnerability is striking, making it impossible not to feel deeply for the protagonist. While some poetry collections seek to comfort, this one demands confrontation. It forces readers to acknowledge the ugly realities of abuse, making it an essential read for those willing to face the darker aspects of human experience.

Selenophile is not for the faint of heart. It is an unfiltered, heart-wrenching, and brutally honest portrayal of abuse, survival, and self-reclamation. Zara Smith has crafted a poetry collection that serves as both a personal catharsis and a powerful statement on the realities many face in silence. While its rawness may not appeal to all, it is precisely this unfiltered approach that makes Selenophile a standout work. Highly recommended for those who appreciate poetry that challenges, disturbs, and ultimately, empowers.

[Madhura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last month, I enjoyed Moonlight, a poetic tapestry of heartache and healing. This time, the poetess presents a much darker, unpolished, and rawer collection—one that feels less like poetry and more like a haunting memoir.

This book tells the story of Zara, an English girl who falls in love with a humble gentleman and follows him to his family home in a foreign land. Though everything is unfamiliar—language, place, and people—she steps in, trusting his reassurances. But soon, she realizes she has walked into a nightmare rather than a dream. What was meant to be paradise turns into a living hell. With no one to turn to, she endures relentless torment, parading around like a prisoner in chains. The most harrowing part is the abuse inflicted by her boyfriend’s stepfather, while the man she loves remains oblivious, dismissing her suffering as attention-seeking.

Abandoned by her sister back in England, Zara is left utterly alone. As her pain deepens, she spirals into suicidal thoughts, writing, “I am done trying to live. I am done trying to fight.” Even when her boyfriend shifts her to his uncle’s house—supposedly for her safety—it is merely an excuse to escape her while he pursues another woman.

Despite the horrors she endures, Zara’s love remains unwavering, making this story even more tragic. Love, lust, abuse, betrayal, and violence intertwine in an agonizing tale. While I do not support blind love, the poetess’s raw and visceral storytelling makes this book a compelling, if unsettling, read. Perhaps it is not fiction but a memoir of her own dark love. Either way, it is worth reading.

[Ishika Hirani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Selenophile by Zara smith is a heart touching collection of poems, Delving deep into the realms of Loss, Abuse, Trauma and Resilience. Woven with an intense heartbreak experience of the protagonist, tolerating a difficult past relationship, This book takes readers on a journey filled with Emotions and Depth. Coming out of a traumatic relationship filled with Abuse and Mental torcher, This book shines as a beacon of Resonance for all those individuals who have ever felt lost in a relationship and bounded with Unlimited Mental & Physical pain. 

Smith paints an image of a woman secluded in the world of Loneliness and Abuse, shedding light on the depth of an unhealthy relationship and toxic family history, Leaving the protagonist with suicidal thoughts and hopelessness. With Zara's emotional narration and in-depth verses, This book transports you in an unfiltered world of Love and Loss; Teaching you to always think before falling in love. The title of the book completely justifies the condition of the protagonist, Who has got only Moon as the witness of her life and a symbol which soothes her pain. 

Overall, Selenophile is a darker version of Zara's previous book "Moonlight". This book sheds light on the themes of Emotions, Relationship Trauma, Toxic Family, Loss of identity and Assault. Blended with Heart wrenching poems and A well crafted narrative, This book shakes you with the harsh reality of love, Making the whole reading experience a lot more immersive. In conclusion, I will highly recommend this profoundly woven book to all those readers who are looking for an Impactful yet Emotional collection of Narrative poems. 

[Samantha Butterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Selenophile is a sad story told beautifully. The words manage to be reflective, without being too far from the moment. Healing, while still showing the vulnerability of what happened.

It’s a touching story of suffering, yet finding away through.

Zara has a way at describing her low moments with a sense of triumph and growth. It’s moving, causing so many emotions to rise up as you reflect on your own struggles and see there is always a path through.

Great read.

[Samantha Sundberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A raw and harrowing look into the many emotions abuse brings forth. Zara poured and beared her soul to the world with this one and made other victims feel seen by describing her experience in such a relatable way. Her vivid imagery and words paint a painful yet beautiful picture for the reader through her poetry. I highly recommend this book and anything else she may write.

[Natalie Gandhi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zara blurs the line between poetry and prose with this book. I could not put it down and read it from start to finish in one sitting. The imagery she paints makes the visualization of her words quite realistic and makes you want to hop on a plane and bring her back with you.

[Ashley Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful telling of a true and honest experience. Zara writes with precision and heart.

[Elle Ferr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every single thing about selenophile. And am so proud of Zara for everything she is, was and became. Her emotions pass right through her words. Amazing book, from a remarkable person. Love Zara's poetry from dark like selenophile to lighter like moonlight. Zara is not just a terrific poet, she's a wonderful soul. Definitely recommend selenophile🫶🏻 Will always support this amazing being.

[Amreen Shaikh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A selenophile is a soul who finds an irresistible connection with the enchanting moon. Poets and writers often identify with this celestial affection, unable to imagine their creative expressions without the moon's gentle glow illuminating their thoughts.

In her remarkable collection, author Zara Smith masterfully captures the tumultuous emotions and intricate inner landscapes that often lie hidden beneath the surface. The protagonist shares her intimate feelings with the moon, feeling a profound sense of comfort and tranquility in this celestial dialogue. Through her verses, she unveils the myriad phases of her life, each one a distinctive chapter carved by experiences both joyful and challenging.

From the relentless grind of her job to the jubilant celebrations of New Year's Eve, from navigating the complexities of a demanding Russian boss to moments shared around the dinner table, every vignette recounts a significant encounter. She recollects a harrowing brush with a drunken driver, a heart-stopping moment that reverberates in her narrative like a haunting echo. Each chapter unfolds a story of its own, featuring poignant encounters—including a serendipitous meeting with a stranger, a twist of fate that brings unexpected solace.

Zara’s poetry evokes a range of emotions, stirring feelings that might bring you to tears or plunge you into profound introspection. I find myself utterly captivated by this collection of evocative poetry, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who seeks a deeper understanding of the human experience through the lens of life’s most delicate moments.

[amii · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zara has delivered such bravery and determination in this book. A powerful and emotional read. A very stand up and pay attention kind of read. Bravo