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Ines' Words

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The love story between Ines de Castro and King D Pedro I is one of the most tragic, intense and powerful in European history. Their story has become a legend and it is difficult to separate fact from fiction, where the only certainty that remains is the element of forbidden, but everlasting, love. With her latest work, Ines' Words, Haidji brings her unique and magical style to this subject and shows not only the enduring power of the legend, but of love itself.

56 pages, Paperback

Published April 2, 2016

8 people are currently reading
78 people want to read

About the author

Haidji

7 books228 followers
just... Haidji
Her interest in art began at the age of four when she got a blackboard for Christmas.
She then started to draw objects around the house: chairs, tables, and so on.
As she was 12 she started to write her stories and poems. Handwritten and hand painted books for family and friends.
Her University education was at the University of Applied Science at Idar-Oberstein, Germany, where she obtained a Diploma (equivalent to a Master's Degree) in Jewelry and Precious Stones Design, and Painting. She is also a qualified Goldsmith.

Haidji is a talented and creative artist who produces abstract work that resonates with warmth and life.
Her stories create images in the reader’s mind, as would a word be a brushstroke painting inside your imagination.

www.haidji.blogspot.com
There is a very spiritual feel to her work, almost an otherworldliness.

A captiving blend of Brazilian flair, Teutonic precision and Dutch pragmatism makes Haidji's work unique, appealing and thought-provoking.
Since 1995 Haidji has exhibited her work, realised her projects and told her stories in many countries: Germany, Brazil, Italy, Holland, Switzerland, England, Portugal, Spain, South Africa, Australia, and the United States...

Contacts
Blog – www.haidji.blogspot.com
Email – haidji@gmail.com
Facebook official page- Haidji
Twitter - Haidji

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5 stars
23 (40%)
4 stars
15 (26%)
3 stars
11 (19%)
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6 (10%)
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2 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Archit.
826 reviews3,200 followers
March 27, 2017


“Believe in deeds and not just in words, In the acts we see who persons are. In words we see only who they would like to be.”


Parting two lovers is a crime you should not sign up your name to.

Haidji is a writer of a caliber that is extremely rare to find. The ones that tell you a story by singing it.

She slowly places brick after brick of the scene buildup - almost as if she were writing a script. The music that is playing, the direction of the wind, the feel of a touch.

A girl is lost. And has lost the love of her life. Can she find it? Are true lovers true to their soulmates? Do they see the guiding light and follow the path that leads them back to the one person that matters?

When two people go apart, the sadness engulfs them both. There are no winners in separation.

The heartbreak of Ines is so powerful and Haidji manages you to transport you to the era, make you feel what Ines and years later what the girl feels as she waits for happiness - all in a matter of mere 56 pages.

She paints the picture to you, making you hold the paintbrush and move your hand along the canvas. Guiding you at the right places to give your imaginations wings but also placing a check on the direction they follow.

Well, that is how the book is. You will interpret it in your own style. You'd enjoy the magnanimity of her work but let your creativity draw you pictures.

Poem blended into stories in the sweetest manner literally possible.

A beautiful, beautiful work.

Although there are many great stanzas, one in particular stuck in my mind and I want to bring it out with my heart's voice. It goes somewhat as,

If I knew what to say
I would say to you
All I feel
If I would know what to do
I would do it for you
All I want
If I knew how to love
I would love only you
Across the whole universe.


A talent of finest order.

First Haidji book and definitely not the last.
Profile Image for Clumsy Storyteller .
361 reviews713 followers
February 8, 2017
Amazing short story by Haidji, Ines' words is inspired by the true love story between Ines de Castro and king D Pedro. i honestly thought it was a work of fiction but when i googled Quinta das lagmias i found that this story did actually happen! *Shocker, i know!* God this is the most tragic and heartbreaking love story i have ever read. The first few pages are about Ines and Pedro, the second part of the book is about a woman Mariana finding love in the most unexpected places *i hope she did find love, cause the book has an open ending*

in a world where everything was forbidden and immoral.
As if anyone could control or demand their own feelings.
or as if time could kill them.
What kills feelings
is
Indifference , or fear.

GREAT BOOK BY AN UNDER APPRECIATED AUTHOR
Profile Image for Jessica.
375 reviews35 followers
July 2, 2016
This is another great story written by Haidji. I love the way the words she uses string together so lyrically. This is beautiful. Parts made my heart ache, I truly felt this story with every feeling imaginable. I can think of no other way to describe this than to share an excerpt:



Believe in deeds and not just words.

In acts we see who persons are

In words we see only

who they would like to be.



Believe in those who make you smile

and not in those who just smile at you.

Those will leave you crying alone

after you wiped their tears.



For as they did not see your smile.

They will not see your tears.

But only their own tears

and their own smile.



They smiled at Ines,

and then they killed her.

They ignored her tears.

They did not think about her children.

Driven by conveniences.

In a world where there was no room for love.

Her tears fell and gave rise to Tears Fountain.

Love?

Love fell with her,

touched the ground, took root and was

reborn, as the Tree of Love."



This begins with a brief telling of the tragic love between Ines de Castro and King d Pedro I. The present swirls and intertwines with the past, their story.



Book won in LibraryThing giveaway. I agreed to review in exchange.
Profile Image for Nicole.
817 reviews60 followers
June 17, 2016
Ines's Words!!! First things first: I won this book in a giveaway on booklikes.
 
Currently I'm in a bit of a reading slump. Or was? I don't wanna jinx it.
 
So when I got this in the mail yesterday I knew I would start it right away, cause it is a really short book and because I just love the stories that Haidji writes. And it worked.
 
Here is what the story is about:
The love story between Ines de Castro and King D Pedro I is one of the most tragic, intense and powerful in European history. Their story has become a legend and it is difficult to separate fact from fiction, where the only certainty that remains is the element of forbidden, but everlasting, love. With her latest work, Ines' Words, Haidji brings her unique and magical style to this subject and shows not only the enduring power of the legend, but of love itself.
 
Once again the writing in this little story was so beautiful and poetic and I'm just in awe. I reread it this morning, just to experience it again. There are so many quotes in their that I really loved.
Profile Image for Megan Lynn.
153 reviews10 followers
August 20, 2016
I read this today outloud to myself and it's beautiful. Pedro and Ines Love each other. How can his father be so cruel to tear them apart by killing her! It's so emotional. Ines and Pedro are brought back in the form of Joseph and Marianna. True love i say. When i read this, i feel the story is in a poetry sense and it touchs my heart, tugging it strings. I love this book! Enjoyed it even. A journey of spiritual, emotional unconditional love. I'm looking to read more books from haidji.

I received this book for free through Librarything in exchange for a honest review.
Profile Image for PennsyLady (Bev).
1,131 reviews
Read
June 11, 2016
Ines' Words
by Hadji

Hadji revisits the love shared by King D Pedro I (1320 - 1367) and Ines de Castro (1325-1355).
She weaves a modern day tale around their tragic 14th century love.
Offerings of her verse are interspersed with the story.

The presentation is lovely, verse well chosen and definitely thought provoking.
Although this is not something I would normally read,
I'm pleased to have had the opportunity to enter Hadji's world.
Profile Image for Rayene Ziadi .
439 reviews110 followers
November 1, 2016
*I was sent a copy of this book for an honest review; and that's what you'll get ♥*
I am sad to say that this was my least favorite of Haidji's books, usually she can cram so many emotions and ideas in short lines, and her words were poetic and lively, and this "splash of creativity" that i like to think of as "Simply Haidji" but i didn't find it in this book , it lacked the uniqueness of her works, and i found it very plain.
i look forward however to reading more of her works.
Profile Image for Rashell Lashbrook.
Author 2 books36 followers
September 25, 2017
This beautiful story reads like a long, romantic poem about lovers destined to find each other again in a future life. I felt the aching sense of longing as the main character searched for her eternal lover in this deeply emotional piece of work. The author's writing feels sacred, somehow. I have read twice already, savoring each word. I'm sure I'll read it again in the future. Ines' Words would be a wonderful candidate for a poetry reading. A real treasure in this day and age!
Profile Image for Karen.
616 reviews25 followers
March 6, 2020
I had never heard of Ines and Pedro and this tragic love they shared until now. I'm glad Haidji included an introduction about them, which is an amazing story, by the way.

I enjoyed how Haidji weaved a story where the main character became intertwined Ines. The story was lyrical and poetic and ended just perfectly.

Thanks to LibraryThing's Member's Giveaway for this book and the opportunity to read and review it.
Profile Image for aLena.
73 reviews63 followers
August 15, 2016
Događaji na kojima se zasniva ova knjižica spadaju u jednu od najtragičnijih ljubavnih priča kroz historiju.

Ines de Castro postala je dvorska dama portugalskoj princezi Constanci 1340. godine. Princ Pedro, nasljednik portugalskog trona, u međuvremenu se zaljubljuje u nju. Nakon što je njegova supruga umrla na porodu 1349. godine, Pedro je pokušao oženiti Ines, ali njegov otac - portugalski kralj - iz političkih razloga nije odobrio brak i protjerao ju je iz kraljevstva. Pošto to nije spriječilo Pedra u njegovom naumu, poslao je tri čovjeka da ubiju Ines. Pedro im je kasnije iščupao srca vlastitim rukama i nakon očeve smrti imenovao Ines svojom “Mrtvom kraljicom”.

Mariana je djevojka koja se skoro 700 godina nakon ovih događaja nađe na mjestu gdje je ubijena Ines, čuje njen glas i osjeća njeno prisustvo.

Haidji pokušava da njeno pisanje bude nešto novo i neobično, pa djeluje pomalo pretenciozno, ali sve u svemu, simpatičan kraj.
Profile Image for Shannon.
650 reviews42 followers
October 25, 2016
The love story between Ines de Castro and King D Pedro I in one of the most tragic, intense and powerful in European history. Their story has become a legend and it is difficult to separate fact from fiction, where the only certainty that remains is the element of forbidden, but everlasting love.

This book is very short and begins with a brief retelling of the tragic love story between Ines de Castro and King D Pedro I. The rest of the book is mix of present and the past. This book is very lyrical; it is a mix of story telling and poetry. This is the first book I have read from the author, but she has a very beautiful writing style and her words flow very well. The reason for the 3 stars, instead of 4, is that it's just not my style. The book is only 47 pages long and half those pages are poems. While it is beautiful, I am just not a big fan of short stories (except for Stephen King).

I was sent a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Bernadett.
411 reviews12 followers
March 2, 2023
it is a short story of Love itself compressed within 50 pages.

I received a physical copy of the book from the Author in exchange for an honest review.

the intro tells about Ines do Castro and Kind D Pedro I's undying love and how that one love evoke myth and superstition that can set of a chain of events in different times with different people.

The book has many places where the writer chose the form of poetry to convey the meaning behind simply everyday life acts that mean so much more than just that.

It is one of those short books that I will most likely come back to from time to time when I need a breath of fresh air from the polluted chaos of my own reading habits.

I its a quick read but very impactful and does stay long after being read with the reader.
Profile Image for Sam.
456 reviews10 followers
December 9, 2016
"Until the end of the world". That is how Pedro defined how long he would love Ines. Could it be that Mariana and Joseph are really Ines and Pedro finding each other again to simply live out their love until the end of the world? One could hope.

Simply a beautiful story of love and loss. It may be a short story but you get lost in the words and it stays with you long after you have read it.
Profile Image for Edma.
356 reviews35 followers
July 18, 2016
* I received this paperback copy in a giveaway on Library Thing.

I think that the original story on which the book is based on, is quite unique and powerful. Haidji has set the story quite beautifully and those lines go by swiftly in each passing word.
Profile Image for Myndi .
1,557 reviews51 followers
April 3, 2021
With beautiful writing, and excellent poetry and prose, Haidji tells the tale of love and possibility that crosses the ages. I had never actually heard the tale of the "Death Queen" before and so I loved that there was an introduction telling the history and legend of this tale.

One of the powerful quotes that stuck with me was:
Believe in deeds and not just words.

In acts we see who persons are

In words we see only

who they would like to be.

I love the hope that this story instills in the reader. In love everlasting and finding your true soul mate, but also in knowing that nothing can truly part two souls in love.
Profile Image for Demoness Tenebrae.
262 reviews37 followers
July 4, 2016
A must read !


"Time does not kill.
What kills feelings
is
Indifference, or fear."




An otherworldly elegant and inspiring love story.


It is very difficult to describe this story. So I will not attempt to do so. What I can say about it is that if you will enjoy it, you will not read it just once. You will pick up this book tomorrow and next week and read it again. For each time you do so, those melodiously written words will fill you with optimism and positive emotions and they will inspire you and give you hope.

I consider myself incredibly lucky to read such inspiring works one after the other. My previous review was also written in sheer positiveness and now again I cannot do anything else but praise the author and read the book yet again for the lyricism and love that is felt on every page make me - happy. That is how I can describe it in the simplest way possible.

Love story that transcends time and is enveloped in beautiful music that I urge you to listen as you read the story and encounter those works on different pages will send shivers down your spine.

The author is a creative and inspiring soul who knows how to lift our spirits up and make us believe that anything is possible. Not just that, but many messages you will encounter are simply timeless and worthy of noting down and reminding yourself every once in a while of those truthful words.


"If I knew what to say
I would tell you
Everything I want
If I knew what to do
I would do for you everything it takes
If I knew how to love
I would love only you
For an eternal moment"



I highly recommend this short story. It has touched my heart and moved my soul. So simple and elegant. So different and inspiring.

I am looking forward to reading another book by Haidji called Suicide Game. I have no doubt that I will enjoy it and I will share my thoughts on it with all of you when the time comes.


*I have received this book through Booklikes Giveaway and I gave my honest and heartfelt opinion on it
Profile Image for Giulia.
46 reviews11 followers
December 2, 2016
I would like to thank the amazing author Haidji for this lovely gift! She was so kind to send me a free copy of this BEAUTIFUL book that I will always keep with me in my heart. I did not know what the book was about but as soon as I started reading the introduction, I fell in love with it straight away. Actually I fell in love even before, when I have read the author's dedication: "This book is dedicated to all lovers in the world and beyond it, to all who, no matter what, never gave up to believe in love".
How amazing is this sentence! I would have given 5 STARS even before starting reading the actual book, but honestly after I finished it, I wanted to rate it even 6 stars! It is such a heartbreaking, compelling and shocking story about the true love between Ines de Castro and King D. Pedro I.
I have to admit that I didn't know this beautiful and tragic love story but I am so grateful that the talented author Haidji gave me the chance to read it. It is a story blended with one of the finest poems I have ever read. When I was younger I used to consider poems very boring, but growing up I understood the beauty of it and thanks to authors like Haidji and their talent, I can appreciate this gorgeous art.
In few sentences Haidji is able to express such beautiful concepts and at the same time she is able to tell us a story making us feel what the characters actually felt. The book is very well written and even if English is not my mother tongue (I am Italian), I did not have any problem reading and enjoying this Amazing story. I am always attracted to books that have a tragic, intense and unconditional love; that kind of love that overcomes everything and everyone; the real everlasting LOVE. And this book is a perfect example of it.
Haidji thank you so much for writing this book.
Author 4 books20 followers
June 10, 2017
This is a wonderful book that is poetic and beautifully written. It is also a great history lesson written by a very talented poetess and historical writer. You will want to read it again and again like I did. It is that good!
The first thing that struck me about Ines’ Words was the historical perspective given at the beginning of the book. The author, Haidji, obviously did extensive research to be historically correct and to allow us to learn from the past. It is unique and a refreshing, genuine approach.
In the past, specifically in Portugal in the 1300’s we are told about the royal family’s intrigues and the murder of an innocent victim.
We meet another version of Romeo and Juliet where Pedro (King D Pedro 1) meets Ines who is “the lady in waiting” for Constance his wife through an arranged marriage. The problem is Pedro has fallen deeply in love with “the beautiful Ines” and ignores his new wife. This infuriates his father King Afonso IV who first exiles Ignes and then orders her murder. Then comes revenge and so much more.
We are then transported into the future to 2020 and the rest is an exciting love story and history. And everlasting love.
You will love this book and emerge treasuring both poetry and prose, the past and the future. 5 Stars!

Profile Image for Tony Parsons.
4,156 reviews101 followers
July 1, 2016
King Alfonso IV (Portugal) had arranged a marriage for his son King D Pedro I with Constanca de Penafiel (Spain).

However, that did not happen & King Dom Pedro I met Ines de Castro, & a love turned tragedy began/ended for both of them.

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written 14th. century romantic (partial prose) book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great 14th. century romance movie, or mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free (Self-published; Autographed; Paperback book)
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Profile Image for Laura Henderson.
204 reviews7 followers
August 18, 2016
The review

Haidji brings a unique a style to the love story between Ines de Castro and King D Pedro I. She writes in a present day style of poem. Here is a small excerpt listed.

“Believe in those who make you smile

and not in those who just smile at you.

Those will leave you crying alone

after you wiped their tears.”

As you can see this is truly beautiful and something to be beheld. This writing style is eloquent, that you are brought to every emotion as you read along. You will truly feel the words as you see each one before you. You are immersed into this story and are surrounded by the beauty and sadness of this tale. I truly loved every part of this. Thank you librarything for sending me this book in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Jane.
1,682 reviews238 followers
June 13, 2016
I was so glad to discover the story of these star-crossed lovers, the 14th century Portuguese king D Pedro I and Ines de Castro, a lady in waiting of his wife. This slim volume was a lyrical prose-poem relating their story to that of Marianna, a woman in 2020. Is she Ines's spirit searching for her Pedro? I thank the author for sending me a copy.
64 reviews1 follower
August 27, 2016
This was a tragic love story well-written. It is a unique style combining prose and poetry. Easy to read and very enjoyable.
Profile Image for Neerja.
508 reviews2 followers
August 16, 2017
A marvellous book where the words were like colours painted on a canvas. It was beautiful and dreamy. I enjoyed every part of this lovely book. Such a refreshing read it was!
Profile Image for Morgan.books.
81 reviews2 followers
May 9, 2021
This was a short and easy read. The story was easy and fun. I honestly wish there was more to this story.
Profile Image for Laura’s Library Space.
66 reviews2 followers
July 22, 2018
Where lie the lines that separate legend from history?
Some may think history recollects only fact, whereas legend captures the possibility of the magic behind it. But, what about a love that seemed so out-of-this-world, but was doomed from its beginning?

In "Ines' Words" by Haidji we follow a heartbreaking yet historically faithful prologue in which we learn about the forbidden, everlasting love story between Ines de Castro and King D Pedro I, which will be key to the rest of the story. In the novel, we can experience the author's exploration of the essence of true love throughout all, without the cruel boundaries of time.

In a poetic retelling of Ines and King D Pedro's romance, the author reflects upon how setting can play an equally important part in a love-story as the lovers themselves do, and how the place can dramatically represent the lovers' fate.

Haidji's narrative and poetic style is definitely something very unique and refreshing. She characterises her voice as an author with changing structures and form, varying from free verse to full-on prose with a strong sense of poeticism. Furthermore, she includes within her techniques the usage of references to pop-culture through songs or literature, which, once again, help the story have a breath of fresh air.
Profile Image for Jennifer Collins.
Author 1 book42 followers
September 8, 2020
I received this book in exchange for an honest review, and while I'd love to be able to offer a positive one, I simply can't.

As someone who adores poetry based on real life persons and stories, I truly looked forward to getting this book, but it feels like the author threw it down on paper in one afternoon and then hit 'publish'. It is, much as I hate to say it, the type of book (in terms of professionalism and publication-readiness) that gives self-publishing a bad name. There are typos that appear as early as the first page of the introduction, and formatting is a distraction throughout the book. The writing itself, if you ignore the typos and questionable formatting, is wildly abstract and repetitive, and although there are plenty of lovely sounding phrases, there are far too many cliches, and I generally got the impression that the writer loved to hear/see her own words and work toward flowery prose, but was paying more attention to sound than meaning... and not interested in revising or offering any depth.

Simply put, this isn't a book I'd recommend, and although I'm the target audience for this book, I was utterly disappointed. I won't be trying out anything else by this author, and I hope she'll hire a professional editor before publishing her next work.
Profile Image for Steph.
533 reviews53 followers
March 22, 2020
Though I noticed a few grammatical errors, the story itself was wonderful. Very tragic and heartbreaking, but wonderful nonetheless. I had never heard of the bittersweet romance of Ines and Pedro, but it made my heart sink as I read all about it. The love that was shared between the two certainly did appear to transcend time (as well as societal norms of that period). It's a quick read (it took me about 10 minutes or less), but it still left me with a profound impression. If you're a hopeless romantic like I am, this is right up your alley.
Profile Image for McKenzie Richardson.
Author 68 books67 followers
January 15, 2018
For more reviews, check out my blog Craft-Cycle

Beautifully written in Haidji's characteristic style. I enjoyed this short book. This one is especially musical and melodic. A simple story, but a very intriguing one.

I really love Haidji's descriptions. One of my favorites was:

"Was left in the room,
in Silence.
The Silence that says everything by telling nothing."

Nicely written.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews

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