The Fighter

by Helle Gade

Inside each of us is a deep struggle, one that some embrace, and others ignore. This collection of deeply moving poems gives you a glimpse into the darkest place your mind can take you and shows the true struggle within one's own mind. Through pain and sorrow, this award-winning author connects her soul to yours in a beautiful melody of words that will leave you with a deeper insight than most are prepared for.

Genres: Poetry

Audible Audio

Published January 25, 2022

About the author

Helle Gade is a modern-day Danish Viking. She is suffers from a chronic illness and all the delights that come with it, so she self-medicates with liberal amounts of chocolate. When she started writing poetry in 2011, she found a perfect outlet for all the bottled-up emotions, and since apparently there were plenty, she has published numerous poetry collection since then, with more coming. Her book Nocturnal Embers won the Best Poetry Collection with eFestival of Words.

She loves staying up all night immersing herself in the wonderful worlds of books. When she's not buried in a book, she is busy with photography and book blogging.

Reviews

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Helle Gade's earlier collections of poetry, "Northern Whispers", "Savage Rose", "Nocturnal Embers", and "Silent Dreams", a few years ago and enjoyed them. I like the way she can reach inside and express her inner feelings and thoughts so well in poetic form. The author has now signed to Butterdragons Publishing and released a few more poetry collections.

"The Fighter", just like her earlier collections, contains thought-provoking and profound verse. The book is divided into four sections, "Pain", "Fear", "Fight", and "Dream".

The themes for the poems include the author's own personal health struggles, the pandemic, war, the environment, and human nature.

My personal favourites were the series of poems entitled "Green-Eyed Beast" - these were so personal and honest and very relatable. Other stand-out poems include "Ignorance", "Bureaucracy Sucks!", "Kitten", and "Arrrghhh". The whole collection is well written and from the heart. There is a passion in this poet's writing that makes her books compulsive reading.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helle Gade is a Danish poet whose earlier work included the wonderful collections: “Savage Rose,” “Silent Dreams” and “Nocturnal Embers.” Recently, she has signed with Butterdragons Publishing and three new volumes of poetry have been published.

“The Fighter” is another amazing collection of Helle Gade’s work. She takes us on a journey which plumbs the depths of pain and despair through to the hope that can be found if giving up is not an option. There is an honesty about these poems which is heart wrenching, but it is this honesty that will touch the hearts of many who have lost their way in physical and emotional pain.

I was particularly struck by the Fight section. The Green-Eyed Beast sequence is so real – chronic illness versus the “if only.” The last two parts involve the fight against the whispering voice of jealousy. I loved the poem entitled “I” ……” I am a fighter/I am not a victim.”

Two other poems struck a chord for me, in that they are more a commentary on the world. One is “Rainforest,” with its comments about deforestation and the impact on the world and its inhabitants. The other is “Red Poppy” – a piece which looks at the horror and futility of war.

I love Helle Gade’s work and recommend it to all who enjoy hard hitting, honest poetry.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of poems is like fine chocolate, you can’t help eat page after page of this authors journey through pain, reality, emotionally heart pounding days and night of life. She touches all with her magical words that cut like a knife through the depths of disparities in life, how you can reach into oneself and be okay with the journey. She writes it’s okay to not be okay. She also touches on the reality of the world and it’s unknown, especially today!!! I was so enthralled with her journey, her words, my heart full of emotions that she wears for all to see through poetry. She has magic in her words that’ll help you through your journey.
I’ve read all her work from the past which she’s won awards for! This book stole her awards!!
The book cover is phenomenal, it draws you in like this authors heart and magical words!!!
Take the journey you won’t regret it!!!!!!

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have issues reading poetry. I think it's mostly because I read too fast. My brain doesn't get the time to understand the words and most of all the emotions behind the words. But I discovered that I can help my brain to slow down when I read poetry out loud. So, a few nights ago I needed a little calm me down and decided to give this book, which I've gotten from Butterdragons Publishing and was signed with the sweetest words, a chance.

I whispered all the words out loud and it clicked. Everything clicked. I understood what the author was trying to say. What she had been feeling while writing these words. What she wants us to feel while reading these words. I felt how my heart opened up and soaked in the words. My eyes started watering and I didn't just get it. It also felt like the author and the poems and the words were getting me.

I guess that's an important element to poetry to begin with. The message and the emotions have to resonate with you. Either because you share the experience with the author or because the words make you feel like you are experiencing all those emotions while reading them. In this case the author and I shared an experience and it's clear that we experienced our illness and life in the same kind of way. If you're part of the spoonie community you will feel these words too.

I normally don't re-read often. Why would I re-read if I have so many new books and stories to discover. In this case I will certainly make an exception. I already know that in the future there will be moments I need these words, this understanding, this feeling of being seen and heard and accepted and appreciated. And it's a very nice feeling to know that when I need these words they will always be there for me.

[Erika Sarutobi · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

RTC

[Ben Ditmars · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like every new book I read by Helle Gade is my new favorite of hers. The Fighter is no exception. Her words strike a chord and I can't stop reading. My favorite lines were from a series of poems called "Green-Eyed Beast"

"But I am sick
I can't just try harder"

"You don't have anything to give...
Nothing at all..."

I can say however after reading the author has everything to give. Do yourself a favor and read this collection. It will move you, I promise.

[Sylvana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so I bought this book at a fantasty event. And Helle was so nice! While reading, I recognized myself. A fellow chronically ill warrior. 10/10 would recommend this book.

[Sappie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first poetry bundle, having purchased this from a bookstand on a fantasy festival and decided to pick it up two days later.

Amazingly written, greatly understandable and not even in the slightest bit pretencious.

This felt raw and real, and I will be sure to pick up more of Helle's work when I come across it.

My absolute favorite part of my favorite poems:
" I despair over my actions
Wild and without thought of my future
I constantly wander
What if I had been more careful? "

And what broke the dam that are called my tearducts:
" I do not need your advice
I need your support "
>
" I don't need you to make it all harder
I want your compassion "

[Catherine Pratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The more I read Helle's poetry the more I LOVE her. She is competition with my all time favorite poet, Stan Rice. Her poetry is like good to me. I just cannot get enough. This is going to be bad to say but I'm a very good way, Belle is like my own personal drug. You cannot get enough of it. You just need more and more. Her poetry is beautiful and kinda edgy but love it. I cannot wait to read more of her poetry.

I received a free copy of the book and is voluntarily writing a review