intricacies are just cracks in the wall

by Sarah Margaret Henry

i ntricacies are just cracks in the wall is an novel that explores a woman's recovery from an abusive relationship through a collection of poetry. The story gives raw authenticity to the experience of mental health disorders, relational abuse, and the pains of self-discovery. Cassidy finds herself falling deeper into an abusive relationship and must discover strength enough to sever ties and move forward. A tale of self-discovery and battles with mental illness, intricacies are just cracks in the wall explores Cassidy's emotional and physical experience of herself. Split into three sections, the collection follows her journey from self-destruction, acceptance, defiance, misery, and discovery in a non-linear manner that does justice to her authenticity as a woman and as a poet.

Genres: Poetry

122 pages, Paperback

Published June 11, 2019

About the author

Sarah Henry, author of
intricacies are just cracks in the wall, is a full time photographer and videographer at her multi-media company Still Poetry Photography. She lives happily by the beach with her compassionate fiance, derpy dog, and sassy bunnies and is adequately managing her full blown coffee addiction.

Reviews

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I don't always "get" poetry. I've taken poetry classes and I'd mostly enjoyed what we had to read. But I often find myself when reading current poetry thinking of Patrick Star banging on the glass and saying, "Pinky out!" (except in my imagination [pronounce that as you'd like, hand motions optional] the glass isn't Sandy Cheeks' underwater house but a local [definitely not chain] coffee shop). I have feelings and I understand poets have feelings, too, but I don't like reading about love or addiction in a voice that either assumes I have never had those same feelings/experiences before, or reads like somebody translated a truly meaningful sentiment/image into a foreign language and then Google Translated it a couple more times "for effect." All of this is just a long-winded way to say Sarah Margaret Henry's debut poetry collection (although maybe "collection" isn't the right word) is exceptional both in its overall achievement and for not making me feel like a complete doofus.

"intricacies" tells the story of Cassidy (not Cas) and three relationships: with Jack, with Oliver, and with herself. Cassidy's character arc from the first "i am" to the last is incredible as she experiences "love" at its absolute worst to love as it's supposed to be, all while combating the inner dialogue of a girl who's been abused and must convince herself that it's not her fault and that it won't always be like that. Not only is Sarah M. Henry a magnificent poet (again, take my opinion as you will, but remember I took classes), but she's a superb storyteller, juggling emotions with finesse while never resorting to a cheap execution. Her emotions are authentic and honest, so my furrowed brows, frustrated frown, four-snort laughs, and fully metaphorical (feel free to say this with an accompanying rainbow as well) tears are well-deserved.

Finally, while I won't get into a poem-by-poem breakdown (when she uses form vs. when she doesn't, etc.), I will say that there's a crown of sonnets that, by itself, is well worth the price of admission (as is the collection's title).

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When there are five people living in an apartment that should really only be meant for three or four, and there are only two small bookcases to share between all of you, and three of you are senior English majors, shelving space comes at a premium. I really had to think hard about what not-school books I was going to bring with me this year.

All this to say, intricacies are just cracks in the wall was one of the chosen ones, and I do not regret that decision one bit.

I don't read a lot of poetry, so I feel... less than equipped to write a proper review of it. What I can say is that Sarah creates a beautiful, heartbreaking, but ultimately powerful narrative through her poetry. Cassidy has a strong voice, and I fell in love with her instantly. Watching her struggle with an abusive relationship and mental illness was hard, but intricacies doesn't end there. The third and final part of the book shows Cassidy healing, getting help, and allowing herself to trust in others again. intricacies culminates in the poem "i am," Cassidy's reassertion of her self-worth and value.

At the risk of sounding cliche, Sarah has a wonderful way with words, and I'm so grateful that she chose to use them to tell this story. Cassidy's journey shows that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, that recovery is possible. All in all, intricacies is an honest, and oftentimes raw exploration of an abusive relationship, but it is also empowering in its depictions of recovery and healing.

[Joseph Spuckler · Rating 4 out of 5]

intricacies are just cracks in the wall by Sarah Margaret Henry is a collection of writing that tells the story of Cassidy, a young woman, who moves out of her family home and starts a new job in a new state. The story is straight forward with the ups and downs that can be expected in starting a new life for the first time –New city, new people, new relationships, and a world that can seem uncaring.

The early writing left me wondering if this would be another in the current trend of clipped platitudes and trite phrases masquerading as poetry by Instagram sensations.  But, the writing evolves. It expands and contracts in step with Cassidy’s experience as do her plants. Emotional bullet points can suddenly explode into sonnets when least expected fully restoring my faith in the writing.

Although I (middle-aged male) am far from the target audience and probably do not appreciate fully the struggles of Cassidy and her new life, I can appreciate writing and the style used by Henry.  I do prefer more structured and formal poetry, but intricacies are just cracks in the wall will appeal to younger readers in their twenties or for fans of the current trend of poetry.

[Zayden Leo · Rating 5 out of 5]

intricacies are just cracks in the wall by Sarah Henry is a poignant and raw collection of poetry that traces Cassidy’s journey of self-discovery, healing, and resilience after an abusive relationship. The poems move fluidly between heartbreak, defiance, and hope, giving readers an authentic glimpse into the emotional complexity of starting over.

Sarah Henry’s writing expands and contracts in harmony with Cassidy’s experiences, sometimes breaking into vivid sonnets when least expected. The non-linear narrative mirrors the unpredictability of emotional recovery, and the imagery is both striking and deeply relatable. While unconventional in structure, this poetry collection will resonate strongly with readers navigating similar life transitions or who appreciate contemporary, heartfelt verse.