Lovely book of diverse and emotional poetry with the added bonus of some expressive sketches. I especially loved the poems 'Eternal Bond' and 'Lunatic'.
Stargazer by Rachel M. Patterson is a short collection of seventeen poems and illustrations.
Often, I search for the story beneath any collection but Patterson’s debut reads more as a foray into the craft rather than a journey. Consequently, Stargazer deals with a myriad of subjects - from Eden, to the night sky, to unrequited love. Patterson reveals her loves and her many colours in poems like ‘Spiral’, ‘Innocence Lost’, ‘Dawn’ and ‘A Mother’s Love’, whilst painting glorious scenes in ‘Ancient Garden’ and ‘Lunatic’. She also strips her soul raw in heart aching pieces like ‘Something’.
However, Patterson has a penchant for rhyme which I felt stunted the potential of some of the work in this collection. The strict focus on structure and rhyme meant some of Patterson’s images and word choices felt contrived. Although this is my personal taste, I adore the freedom poetry can provide and I felt that at times Patterson drew an end to pieces when she could have kept on running.
Thus, Stargazer is a collection which reflects Patterson’s growth as an artist and a poet. There is no denying the burgeoning possibility and potential already blossoming; so I hope Stargazer is just the beginning for Patterson.
Stargazer is a poetry collection that could be read in one sitting. There are 17 poems altogether, accompanied with illustrations from the author.
There were poems about love, depression, hopelessness and hope. Some of the poems were completely heartbreaking and relatable, and some just felt magical. There isn’t a theme that could describe the whole book since it’s about different topics but don’t let that discourage you from giving this a read.
All the poems follow a structure with rhymes so melodious, it easily rolls off the tongue. It was a pleasant read, even if some of the poems were dark. Those were my favourites, actually. I enjoyed how Patterson uses beautiful metaphors and I’m absolutely blown away by each line.
My favourites were “Jagged Pit”, “Chronic”, “Spiral” and “Lunatic”. The way each line was written conveyed the feelings accurately. You are able to experience the emptiness and hopelessness in “Jagged Pit”, “Chronic” and “Spiral” but feel the curiosity and thrill in “Lunatic”. It was enjoyable and not many poems I’ve read was able to make me feel like I’ve been brought to a different dimension.
Filled with illustrations made with a pen. I’ve always admired art like that. It’s simple yet with the many strokes and shading, it looks complex and also beautiful. A good complement to the poems.
I found this book of poetry to be engaging, powerful and beautiful. I loved all the sketches mixed in from the author! It gives that personal touch that you don't find often in books nowadays. My absolute favorite Poems were Jagged Pit and Spiral - I found them to be very visceral reads. While some of the poems I didn't, or couldn't, connect with, these two cut me raw, creating a powerful, emotional reaction for me. I found myself still mulling over, not only the immediate reactions I had to them, but the unique way in which the author put the thoughts and words into motion on the page hours later. That is the type of poetry I have been searching for.