Instigated By Heartbreak: Kintsugi Through Poetry

by Afia

A broken heart still beats; listen closely...

Instigated By Heartbreak is a raw and resonant blend of poetry and prose that traces the emotional journey from the rise and collapse of love to the halting work of restoration. Inspired by kintsugi—the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold—these pages do not rush romantic grief; they hold space for it, honoring the depth and complexity of every emotional phase.

Moving between structured, rhyme-driven poetry, moments of free verse, and reflective narrative passages, the book creates a hybrid reading experience that unfolds as a continuous emotional arc echoing the heart's return to its most vulnerable state. Each piece deepens the exploration of love, loss, clarity, and the resurgence of self, offering an intimate portrayal of what it means to confront difficult truths and create beauty from what has been fractured.

Though rooted in the particularity of one heartbreak, this collection speaks to anyone drawn to emotional storytelling and introspection. For readers seeking tenderness and honesty, Instigated By Heartbreak offers companionship on the path from ruin to transformation.

“Honor your heart—
not just in its strength, but in its aching,
not just when it is healing, but when it is breaking
from a pain that is Instigated By Heartbreak.”

236 pages, Paperback

Published November 23, 2025

Reviews

[Afia · Rating 5 out of 5]

To those who found their way here,

I may be biased, being the author of Instigated By Heartbreak, but I wanted to leave a brief note as it begins its journey into the world. My hope is that it makes you feel less alone. It became a grounding companion for me while I was shaping it, and I believe it can offer the same steadiness to anyone moving through transitions of the heart.

I am giving it five stars because I know the intention, effort, and care that went into creating my first work. If it resonates with you, I hope it brings a sense of clarity and perspective. Thank you for reading, and for lending your voice to this book’s early conversations. May it continue to find the community of readers it is meant for.

With Love,

Afia

[Miss Mae West · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who isn’t typically drawn to poetry, I was genuinely surprised by how engaging this book was. The poems, intertwined with narrative moments, were easy to follow and emotionally clear. Even if you’re not usually a poetry reader, this collection feels relatable and deeply personal.

What stayed with me most was how stepping into the book created a very human experience of healing. As I reflected on my own life, I could see how a work like this might have helped me feel less alone and offered an anchor during seasons of heartbreak. The protagonist’s journey shows how our scars shape us, a reminder of resilience and the slow, meaningful work of repair.

The author writes with a clarity that makes the prose feel welcoming rather than abstract. Her transitions carry you from piece to piece with ease, creating a throughline that feels almost like sitting with someone who understands exactly where you are. It’s thoughtful, accessible, and beautifully crafted.

[Samara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pulled me in much faster than I expected. I ended up reading half of it in one sitting. The way the author writes about heartbreak feels honest without being too heavy, and some pieces hit a little too close to home in a way I did not expect. It made me think about the parts of myself I ignored while trying to move on. I am really glad I read this, and I would recommend it to anyone trying to understand their own healing a little better.

I probably could have used something like this during my first breakup, which felt insurmountable at the time. I also appreciated how the emotional journey was told, as it held my attention throughout. Seeing the breakup through the protagonist’s lens was surprisingly relatable. The ruminations, feelings, and experiences she moved through added another layer to the read. Overall, this was a thoughtful and grounded book.

[Gigi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, this book is heavy, but in a necessary way. It captures heartbreak as it actually feels: pervasive, consuming, and shattering. The writing moves between reflection and lyrical verse with intention, and I felt carried through the emotional phases as I followed the character’s story. The subtle weaving of the kintsugi concept was especially intriguing. I had heard of it in passing, but seeing it applied to healing after heartbreak felt grounding and thoughtful, particularly in how the author threads it throughout the book. My favorite section was Acceptance and Reflection, which beautifully shows the protagonist’s growth. This is a book I will keep on my shelf as a reference, and it does not hurt that the cover is stunning.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are random moments in life when I am reminded of my own heartbreaks, passing by our favorite restaurant, finding his sock still mixed in with mine, a hair tie, a cloud, a forgotten voicemail… and I am paralyzed with grief of both what I had hoped would be and what seems to be now- the vacancy of being alone. So when I picked up this book of poetry with such a kitschy and yet expansive cover, I expected to just fill an afternoon. I must, in general, raise my expectations. The author’s ability to illustrate their heartbreak and reach through the pages to stand by you through the remembrance of your own is hard to fake. Such wonderful, honest, and thoughtful language.

[Kenzy Forman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful. The structure invites the reader to experience Afia’s journey- really every girl who has had a heartbreak’s journey. She is raw in her honesty, confusion, anger and healing. The beginning has longer prose, punctuated by reflection stops, which I appreciate. These pauses allow the reader to digest the hurt we remember and feel for the woman in her words. My favorite section was the haiku-esque series of poems. Flowing through the book this way feels like the change from furiously texting friends and journaling pain to careful, light, gentle processing of these feelings. The book centers gentleness and forgiveness of the self. I’m so glad I picked this one up ♥️♥️♥️

[Kenyah The Cultivated Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is both a poetry collection and a guide to facing heartbreak in all the stages of grief. Although it primarily focuses on the story of one relationship, there are broader lessons to be found throughout, and well-researched explanations of what your body and mind go through when love ends. The Japanese art form of kintsugi is reverently referenced as inspiration throughout the book, and the symbolism is felt through the poems. This is a collection to take your time with and come back to when needed during times of emotional pain. I believe readers who have suffered any kind of loss could benefit from Afia's vulnerability and candor.

[Kimani Burney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Closing this book felt like exhaling after holding my breath for too long. The poems pulled me through the ache of heartbreak, the heaviness of loss, and the quiet moments of trying to piece yourself back together. At times it stung, because I saw myself in those words, but it also felt like a gentle reminder that pain does not last forever. By the final pages, I could feel the shift from being defined by the hurt to being renewed by the healing. It left me softer, lighter, and strangely grateful, like I had walked through someone else’s storm only to realize I had weathered my own.

[A.A · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very relatable read. There is a thoughtful blend of lived experience and reimagined moments in this collection, which makes the emotional journey feel both personal and expansive. I also thought the Kintsugi thread was really interesting and added a meaningful touch.

The poems and prose build on each other in a way that makes the whole journey feel cohesive. It captures heartbreak with a careful nuance that I really appreciated. I loved it.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captures heartbreak in a raw and honest way. Emotions are folded into the words that feel both personal and universal at the same time. Every page hits with a mix of vulnerability and strength, making it a comforting read not just for anyone who’s going through heartbreak currently, but also for those who have experienced it previously.

[TK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Instigated by Heartbreak is a profound work of poetry. It delicately walks you through the universal stages of heartbreak in a way that is both insightful and comforting. Afia gracefully captures the aftermath of a love that often meets you with pain. And in sharing how she made it through the challenge of healing, Afia offers helpful reflections we can each lean on in our own processes.

[Brionna S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reads like someone letting you sit beside them in the aftermath of heartbreak. The honesty is what stays with you and I feel like the poems don’t try to explain pain away; they let it exist fully and unapologetically. It reminds you you’re not alone in the mess of loving and losing, and that there is more than one side to every break. Definitely suggest!

[Chloe Iyeh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Added to my read list! Saw reviews about this online so I followed the author and it led me here. I’m currently navigating heartbreak and needed some guidance to help me but the broken pieces back together. What I love about this book is it has pages in the back with prompts for self reflection (such a beautiful touch). Will be back with my thoughts in due course 🫶🏽

[Korri Bowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written very thoughtfully with extraordinary vulnerability expressed by the character!! You could feel the pain of heartbreak and really empathize with the emotions given your own experiences. I would highly recommend to anyone navigating the intense emotions of heartbreak!

[Morgan Lataillade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully and honestly written. Afia’s poems have a special way of portraying the emotional depths of love, and the vulnerability of heartbreak. I love how intentional her writing artistry is, and can’t wait to finish the book!

[Ashley Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much passion poured into these pages. This book would make the perfect gift for someone dealing with heartbreak.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this on my fyp and loved the cover and description. Adding it to my list; I can’t wait to read!

[Alexis Holder]

I’ve heard GREAT things about this book! Very excited to read jf

[Mujai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great read! The author speaks to the confusion of loving, the vulnerability of staying open, and the quiet devastation of wanting to hold on while learning how to let go.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, Healing, and Thoughtfully Written

This book is stunning in its honesty. The author’s use of kintsugi as a metaphor for heartbreak and healing is incredibly well done—showing how broken moments don’t need to be hidden, but can become part of the beauty. The blend of poetry and reflection feels intimate, comforting, and deeply relatable. A truly meaningful read that stays with you long after you finish.

Highly recommend.