The Shells I Collect

by Azuréa Imola Rózsa

The Shells I Collect is fractured read about the chronic loneliness of a young woman who left her home country and is faced with winter, herself, and her haunting past. Azuréa Imola Rózsa weaves a poignant exploration of identity, meaning, love, and isolation through the raw, confessional voice of her protagonist, Lidia, delving into fragmented thoughts, poems, memories, and seasons, reflecting the intimate spaces of a young woman's conflicted mind.
The Shells I Collect reads almost like a poetic journal, often expressing spiralling, depressing thoughts with painful self awareness.
With the author's words, The Shells I Collect is a memoir to girlhood.

104 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 10, 2026

About the author

Azuréa Imola Rózsa is a Hungarian-born multidisciplinary artist, writer. Her work primarily explores themes of transience, identity, and femininity in contemporary schemes.

Reviews

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A unique book, best described in two words: honest and artistic

[Niki Lauter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would recommend this book to literally anyone. I think man can easily connect with the stories, the feelings and the emotional struggles written, and can even heal from one’s own wounds through reading them. While reading I had so many realisations and it gave me always many thoughts to chew on. Honestly missing this perspective of grabbing the things of the life in such a deep way would be a shame.

[Anni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a beautifully written, poetic piece of art and I loved everything about it. As a young adult I related to the themes and the way Azuréa Imola Rózsa describes the hardships of living is truly remarkable! I wish more people would find this book and get to experience this beautiful and original book.

[veronika lídia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book because I could truly put myself in the character's shoes. Many of the situations felt relatable, and I often found myself reflecting on similar experiences in my own life. I also loved the writing style and the way the book was structured, which kept me engaged from beginning to end. I would definitely recommend this book!

[Fanni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book a while ago and sometimes the stories still come up in my mind. The short stories perfectly describe how girlhood and growing up is and how different situations can add to one’s personality. This is not the typical book you can read everyday but in a weird way it brings you comfort and helps you understand that you are never alone.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book while you are in your early twenties feels like the author extracted your soul, your thoughts and feelings and just exposed them to the whole world. A fast read that will stay with you long after you finish the book. I am so excited to see what this author will release in the future. She has such a unique and nice way of writing, it makes me think of 21st century sylvia path.

[Pammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

read this fast! quite relatable and melancholy

[Alejandro Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good and personal read on the struggles of early adulthood many of us face. It is a story of hardship and growth that hits way too close to home, definitely recommended!

[Szilvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked her design, unique. Full of symbolism, poetic but very relevant thoughts on modern world especially in the patriarchy.

[Alma · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book included lot of negative spirals, and i think if i read it in a lower/depressive state i could relate to it much more. on the other hand i think it is realistically showing how many women are struggling undrercover. & nice cover! a

[Kover Tibor · Rating 5 out of 5]

rövid és relatable olvasmány, ajánlom mindenkinek, aki felnőtt kora elején van és elveszve érzi magát. niche és cool könyv

[antoñanzas · Rating 5 out of 5]

My friend gave me this book and first I was a bit skeptical, but after finishing it, I can confidently recommend it to anyone who likes harsh, true, emotional reads, poems.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book which truely has been put a lot of love and care into.