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Valkyrie
The third collection of poetry from bestselling author Sophia Elaine Hanson. A deeply personal story of trauma, survival, and healing in the #MeToo era.
"You’ll read it, then realize your jaw was clenched shut the whole time. You’ll be uncomfortable. You’ll be sad. But you’ll never wish you hadn’t read this." - Alicia Cook, author of Stuff I've Been Feeling Lately
"Valkyrie is a heartbreaking and triumphant roar of a survivor. It is a powerful reminder that trauma doesn't define who you are...the way you keep going does." - K.Y. Robinson, author of The Chaos of Longing
Warning: This book contains references to rape and its aftermath.
"You’ll read it, then realize your jaw was clenched shut the whole time. You’ll be uncomfortable. You’ll be sad. But you’ll never wish you hadn’t read this." - Alicia Cook, author of Stuff I've Been Feeling Lately
"Valkyrie is a heartbreaking and triumphant roar of a survivor. It is a powerful reminder that trauma doesn't define who you are...the way you keep going does." - K.Y. Robinson, author of The Chaos of Longing
Warning: This book contains references to rape and its aftermath.
- GenresPoetry
Unknown Binding
Published May 1, 2019
4 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
About the author
Sophia Elaine Hanson
7 books417 followersSophia has been writing novels, short stories, and poems since she was still losing her baby teeth. Along the way she amassed an impressive 35 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards including two National Gold Medals for science fiction short stories. As a Scholastic alumnus she joins the ranks of many great authors including Truman Capote, Sylvia Plath, and Joyce Carol Oates. Her work has been accepted for publication at Polyphony HS and The Claremont Review. Sophia grew up in Iowa and now resides in New York City. She loves Star Wars and Twenty One Pilots and hates cantaloupe.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 19, 2019
VALKYRIE is out in the world today. It has already been at #1 and #2 in Women's and American Poetry. I am so unfathomably grateful. Thank you for hearing my #MeToo story.
VALKYRIE is available in paperback and eBook on Amazon. Here is the link: https://www.amazon.com/Valkyrie-Sophia-Hanson-ebook/dp/B07QNCG9D7/ref=zg_bsnr_6361459011_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=Y2J8T4SWYA7A2DGKQJY1
WARNING: VALKYRIE is a story about surviving rape. It will be brutal at times. Please practice self care while reading it.
VALKYRIE is available in paperback and eBook on Amazon. Here is the link: https://www.amazon.com/Valkyrie-Sophia-Hanson-ebook/dp/B07QNCG9D7/ref=zg_bsnr_6361459011_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=Y2J8T4SWYA7A2DGKQJY1
WARNING: VALKYRIE is a story about surviving rape. It will be brutal at times. Please practice self care while reading it.
November 6, 2019
it's never easy to read something so personal, to read something so raw and honest. but it's worth it. this poetry collection is brutal, but it is the truth. I cannot imagine the strength it must have taken to write these poems, but I can tell you these poems deserved to be written, deserved to be read. (4.5)
thank you Sophia for writing this.
thank you Sophia for writing this.
April 1, 2019
Sophia always amazes me with her writing because it’s so breath-taking and raw and full of emotion. And obviously this book is destined to be full of emotion based on the topic alone, but to hear her experiences put out in poetic verse really moved me. But the reason I liked this collection of poems wasn’t because it was relatable to me personally. Instead, I appreciated it because of the language and because it gave me insight into something with which I have no experience.
I count my lucky stars every day that I have not been sexually assaulted or abused. The more I read about it and the more people I know who’ve had to deal with it…I don’t think I personally would be strong enough to go through such trauma and come out okay. Sophia is strong for enduring this awful thing in the first place, but it takes another kind of strength to write a number of personal poems about that pain and put it up for strangers to read. And for that alone, I applaud her. I applaud her for getting help, for sharing her story, for encouraging others to share their stories. It’s people like her who really are creating change and challenging the evil people of our world to be different.
However, since sexual assault is not something I’ve experienced, that means that I cannot fully relate to this poetry collection — and I do think a lot of what makes poetry collections so loved by the masses these days is that they are relatable. The poems I love most are poems that are about ME, that convey my personal experience, and I think poetry collections mean so much to us because we can see ourselves reflected in a few lines. Like music, we can see our feelings conveyed by another person we don’t know. We want to have a fun “Oh! I experience that too!” moment…and this book is that, but in a dark twisted #METOO way. It sheds a light on what it feels like to be sexually assaulted, to be raped, to say no (or not explicitly say yes) and have someone completely disregard your wishes and destory your inner peace. Valkyie is an important piece of literature because it covers a topic that few people dare to talk about — and it does it in a way that is both raw and vulnerable, but also beautiful and ragged. It does not shy away from the graphic details, the explicit language, and it calls out rape culture when so many would ignore it entirely. Even though I know this book will be too much for some who have experienced this darkness, I also know that it will help others understand what it’s like to go through something like this. It will help some people find the help they need, the support they’ve been looking for, and I hope it finds those people in the ether.
One of my favorite things about this collection is that Sophia continues to break the mold of what contemporary poetry can be. Since the genre is constantly changing and evolving, I’ve noticed her collections doing the same. Each one has a different voice, a different style, a different format, and I love that. If you go even deeper, the language of this book really caught me off guard because SOPHIA ACTUALLY USES RHYMING! I think growing up everyone was warned to NEVER RHYME when writing poetry, and as a result, so few poems in contemporary poetry actually do rhyme. However, in this collection, I was so thrilled to see how Sophia used rhyming and different language techniques to give her poems rhythm. Her rhymes and near-rhymes were so strategic and artfully placed, and every time she wrote them I felt they were necessary and beautiful. I love her poetry because Sophia has a way with intricate language that most other poets don’t seem to grasp. Her word choice was impeccable, and I fell absolutely in love with it.
I count my lucky stars every day that I have not been sexually assaulted or abused. The more I read about it and the more people I know who’ve had to deal with it…I don’t think I personally would be strong enough to go through such trauma and come out okay. Sophia is strong for enduring this awful thing in the first place, but it takes another kind of strength to write a number of personal poems about that pain and put it up for strangers to read. And for that alone, I applaud her. I applaud her for getting help, for sharing her story, for encouraging others to share their stories. It’s people like her who really are creating change and challenging the evil people of our world to be different.
However, since sexual assault is not something I’ve experienced, that means that I cannot fully relate to this poetry collection — and I do think a lot of what makes poetry collections so loved by the masses these days is that they are relatable. The poems I love most are poems that are about ME, that convey my personal experience, and I think poetry collections mean so much to us because we can see ourselves reflected in a few lines. Like music, we can see our feelings conveyed by another person we don’t know. We want to have a fun “Oh! I experience that too!” moment…and this book is that, but in a dark twisted #METOO way. It sheds a light on what it feels like to be sexually assaulted, to be raped, to say no (or not explicitly say yes) and have someone completely disregard your wishes and destory your inner peace. Valkyie is an important piece of literature because it covers a topic that few people dare to talk about — and it does it in a way that is both raw and vulnerable, but also beautiful and ragged. It does not shy away from the graphic details, the explicit language, and it calls out rape culture when so many would ignore it entirely. Even though I know this book will be too much for some who have experienced this darkness, I also know that it will help others understand what it’s like to go through something like this. It will help some people find the help they need, the support they’ve been looking for, and I hope it finds those people in the ether.
One of my favorite things about this collection is that Sophia continues to break the mold of what contemporary poetry can be. Since the genre is constantly changing and evolving, I’ve noticed her collections doing the same. Each one has a different voice, a different style, a different format, and I love that. If you go even deeper, the language of this book really caught me off guard because SOPHIA ACTUALLY USES RHYMING! I think growing up everyone was warned to NEVER RHYME when writing poetry, and as a result, so few poems in contemporary poetry actually do rhyme. However, in this collection, I was so thrilled to see how Sophia used rhyming and different language techniques to give her poems rhythm. Her rhymes and near-rhymes were so strategic and artfully placed, and every time she wrote them I felt they were necessary and beautiful. I love her poetry because Sophia has a way with intricate language that most other poets don’t seem to grasp. Her word choice was impeccable, and I fell absolutely in love with it.
April 11, 2019
I GOT TO BLURB THIS BEAUTIFUL BOOK AND I AM SO PROUD OF THE AUTHOR!!!
I ended up just writing that because every other thing I wrote here didn't seem to do it justice.
I ended up just writing that because every other thing I wrote here didn't seem to do it justice.
April 29, 2019
*takes a deep breath*
Wow, I've actually read it one week ago and I needed some time to let it sink in. Mind you, I have no idea about poetry. I don't even like "modern poetry" or find any of the newer poetry books appealing. I have totally let Milk and Honey go past me as many other newer poetry books. Not this one, because I adore Sophia and I needed to read this.
I do not understand modern poetry but I do understand this:
This was raw, painful, a journey of becoming stronger. A journey full of pain, honesty and survival.
I was touched and let me tell you this, it doesn't happen for me when I read or take a peek at modern poetry. I'm a lover of old classics, yet Valyrie shook me to the core. The honestly, the emotion, the path Sophia described. I can't even describe all the feelings that went through me as I read this. I wanted to cry, to scream.
My emotions are still a mess, but what is there to say except:
This made my heart hurt and yet it was so incredibly beautiful. I am so very proud of Sophia and she has my highest regards for sharing this with us, for sharing her pain, her dark thoughts and journey of survival and healing. Valkyrie is a warcry.
This should never happen to anyone, yet it does all the time. Too many let it happen, too many blame themselves and far too many will never speak up. But I hope that one day they will. And I hope their voices will be loud and glorious, like thunder, like a battlecry against our rape culture in which we blame the victim and not the violator.
Wow, I've actually read it one week ago and I needed some time to let it sink in. Mind you, I have no idea about poetry. I don't even like "modern poetry" or find any of the newer poetry books appealing. I have totally let Milk and Honey go past me as many other newer poetry books. Not this one, because I adore Sophia and I needed to read this.
I do not understand modern poetry but I do understand this:
This was raw, painful, a journey of becoming stronger. A journey full of pain, honesty and survival.
I was touched and let me tell you this, it doesn't happen for me when I read or take a peek at modern poetry. I'm a lover of old classics, yet Valyrie shook me to the core. The honestly, the emotion, the path Sophia described. I can't even describe all the feelings that went through me as I read this. I wanted to cry, to scream.
My emotions are still a mess, but what is there to say except:
This made my heart hurt and yet it was so incredibly beautiful. I am so very proud of Sophia and she has my highest regards for sharing this with us, for sharing her pain, her dark thoughts and journey of survival and healing. Valkyrie is a warcry.
This should never happen to anyone, yet it does all the time. Too many let it happen, too many blame themselves and far too many will never speak up. But I hope that one day they will. And I hope their voices will be loud and glorious, like thunder, like a battlecry against our rape culture in which we blame the victim and not the violator.
October 27, 2020
I think it is no coincidence that valkyrie literally means “chooser of the slain” and this collection focuses so heavily on the death motifs. I am a sucker for anything relating to the concept of killing part of ones self and this collection gave me all those emotions.
Hanson’s pain, death, grief, and strength is clear in literally every poem, on every page. When she is fragile, the language is softer, and when she is feeling fierce, you can feel the strength in her words, and that is such an incredible talent that many strive for but she seems to exhibit almost effortlessly. Seriously, the writing is amazing here.
My favorite parts where when Hanson wasn’t afraid to describe the truth of what happened to her - word choices like “reddish brown crust” make it all the more real for the reader. It puts us there in that moment with her in a way I’ve not experienced as a reader of sexual assault survivor poetry. Some of the poems are more open to interpretation, as they could be about the death of a loved one as easily as they could be about sexual assault, and I appreciated that open-ended-ness when it appeared.
As tragic as the subject matter is, there’s a hopeful tone at the end. I think Hanson sums it up best with her lines “But the breathing is coming / easier, and the living follows” from the poem “Anniversary”.
If you’re looking for a poignant poetry collection, add this to your list!
Hanson’s pain, death, grief, and strength is clear in literally every poem, on every page. When she is fragile, the language is softer, and when she is feeling fierce, you can feel the strength in her words, and that is such an incredible talent that many strive for but she seems to exhibit almost effortlessly. Seriously, the writing is amazing here.
My favorite parts where when Hanson wasn’t afraid to describe the truth of what happened to her - word choices like “reddish brown crust” make it all the more real for the reader. It puts us there in that moment with her in a way I’ve not experienced as a reader of sexual assault survivor poetry. Some of the poems are more open to interpretation, as they could be about the death of a loved one as easily as they could be about sexual assault, and I appreciated that open-ended-ness when it appeared.
As tragic as the subject matter is, there’s a hopeful tone at the end. I think Hanson sums it up best with her lines “But the breathing is coming / easier, and the living follows” from the poem “Anniversary”.
If you’re looking for a poignant poetry collection, add this to your list!
April 19, 2019
TW! Hanson may have “died in your bed,” but she is resurrected in these pages. Valkyrie is a poetic, yet undiluted, recounting of the worst moment of her life, and the painful, confusing days that followed. You’ll read it, then realize your jaw was clenched shut the whole time. You’ll be uncomfortable. You’ll be sad. But you’ll never wish you hadn’t read this. Hanson is a survivor who regained her voice after trauma and Valkyrie is a war cry, not a swan song.
April 10, 2019
As a survivor, this book resonated deeply with me. Valkyrie is a heartbreaking and triumphant roar of a survivor. It is a powerful reminder that trauma doesn't define who you are--the way you keep going does.
April 27, 2019
Compelling and Amazing
This book practically encapsulated a timeline within a victim/survivor perfectly in this set of beautifully crafted pieces. The way it was constructed was such a powerful mental trip, it was like she was reading my mind. I am more than honored to be a person that she knows of. Sophia is more than deserving of everything beautiful that comes in her life and immense praise for this book !
This book practically encapsulated a timeline within a victim/survivor perfectly in this set of beautifully crafted pieces. The way it was constructed was such a powerful mental trip, it was like she was reading my mind. I am more than honored to be a person that she knows of. Sophia is more than deserving of everything beautiful that comes in her life and immense praise for this book !
Read
May 16, 2019Hanson never ceases to amaze me with her talent. This collection is heartbreaking but so so important. I am in awe of this book and Hanson's strength in telling her story.
May 22, 2020
Wow. This made me feel comforted. So many poems in this were just so beautiful it’s definitely a new favorite.
April 27, 2019
Wow. This was so raw and real and still full of hope. I loved it so much. Sophia Elaine Hanson is one of my favorite contemporary poets. I've read others, like Rupi Kaur, but I like her work so much better. Every collection is better than the last.
August 18, 2019
This is a such an important collection of poems dealing with sexual abuse. It is amazing and oh so important, and Sophia Elaine Hanson delivers yet another incredible set of poems with this one.
March 4, 2021
I... Just wow, I'm at lost of words.
April 29, 2019
We live in 2019, the #metoo movement is doing what once was immaginabile, speaking so openly about sexual violence. But that doesn't mean that the problem is instantly solved. It doesn't mean that there are no more rapists, that the victim is considered so by the authorities, that recovery is easy. Sophia has put into verses what happened to her - what could happen to anyone of us - without putting shame on her actions, similar to the ones of many other people. It's easy to say what one should do, it's another thing to do it. These poems don't leave out the bad parts, they tell the whole story for what it really was. I admire Sophia's courage to write it all down and not simply try to forget it all.
April 20, 2019
I am stunned by the rawness that is this book. It is beautifully written and it is a tough read. As someone who went through a similar situation I do advise reading the trigger warnings and proceeding if you feel right. But i am so glad I pushed through. This book is everything I needed directly after but also now. It is a collection I could not put down and each poem made me want to give Sophia a hug and tell her how strong she is. I absolutely loved this collection and her writing was magnificent.
April 20, 2019
Simply inspiring....
Sophia Elaine Hanson always finds somewhere in my heart I never knew existed with her words... I sat reading this, silent tears streaming down my cheeks. Sophia knows, she understands, she’s a survivor, a warrior, one of the strongest women I am glad to call a friend. This collection is raw, powerful and without mercy... every poem hits hard, hurts and heals.... simply beautiful.
Sophia Elaine Hanson always finds somewhere in my heart I never knew existed with her words... I sat reading this, silent tears streaming down my cheeks. Sophia knows, she understands, she’s a survivor, a warrior, one of the strongest women I am glad to call a friend. This collection is raw, powerful and without mercy... every poem hits hard, hurts and heals.... simply beautiful.
July 10, 2019
This is one of the best poetry books I have ever read. I waitied awhile before reading it as I knew it would be heavy but I am so happy I finally read it. It is sad that she had to go through these things but i am so proud of her for sharing her story. Majority of the poems resonated with me and my story. I can not wait to read more of her poetry.
December 10, 2019
Powerful, heartbreaking, and does not shy away from the truth. These poems build in intensity and offer no falsehoods, no lies, no platitudes. The raw pain and the gritty fight of the poet leap from the poems. This is definitely something to read in our current climate.
September 30, 2020
Absolutely beautiful. Completely heartbreaking, but as a reader who has experienced similar to the events journeyed in this book, I can say it's by far the best poetry I've ever read. I don't think I've related to something more, or found myself more in someone else's words.
April 16, 2024
Even though poetry this read like a book and I mean that as a compliment. Had me hooked from the start and finished in one sitting. A tribute to truly unpacking horrible things in solidarity with the reader. ❤️
April 21, 2019
I don't think anything I have to say can do this masterpiece justice.
This was a battle cry in poetic form. So loud the heavens are weeping. I am crying.
This was a battle cry in poetic form. So loud the heavens are weeping. I am crying.
April 24, 2019
Review to come
June 15, 2024
2.75/5
May 27, 2021
Valkyrie By Sophie Elaine Hanson
5 out of 5 stars.
I loved this poetry collection. It was real and raw. I could feel how personal these words are. Sophie put honesty and emotion in to every page. These poems speak finding yourself after sexual abuse, discovery and healing. I don’t have much to say about these poems because I think everyone should discover and interpret the poems for themselves, and I would not want my option to change anyone else’s experience to this book.
5 out of 5 stars.
I loved this poetry collection. It was real and raw. I could feel how personal these words are. Sophie put honesty and emotion in to every page. These poems speak finding yourself after sexual abuse, discovery and healing. I don’t have much to say about these poems because I think everyone should discover and interpret the poems for themselves, and I would not want my option to change anyone else’s experience to this book.
December 10, 2021
Wow. Just. Wow. I’m speechless. This was written in the depths of hurt and betrayal. Of fears and pain. But it also was written coming up out of the trenches. Coming from something so bad. I never knew I needed a book more in my life. I had goosebumps & tears. Anger and the urge to fight even more for those who can’t. This was so beautiful in the ghostly way.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews