Self-Portrait as a Sinking Ship: Toho Publishing Chapbook Series II

by Erica Abbott

The confessional-style of Self-Portrait as a Sinking Ship explores themes of depression, anxiety, and how mental illness can impact a person's life. It also dives into how holding on to hope can pull a person through even the darkest moments of life.

Genres: Poetry

Kindle Edition

Published December 17, 2020

About the author

Erica Abbott (she/her) is a Philadelphia-based poet and writer who has been writing for over 15 years. She is the author of Self-Portrait as a Sinking Ship (Toho 2020), her debut poetry chapbook. Follow her on Instagram @poetry_erica and on Twitter @erica_abbott.

Reviews

[L.L. Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book of poems so much I passed it on to my nephew, so he too could enjoy them. The honesty and depth behind each poem touched me in a way few works do. I felt very connected to the journey from darkness and struggle to hope, the writing is relatable and that's comforting. Additionally, I absolutely adore the cover. Upon receiving my copy in the mail I stared at it for several moments lost in my own thoughts. From cover to cover this book is incredible.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10 recommend this book ;)

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this collection as the President of the United States incited an insurrection at the Capitol, and reading these poems was somehow a balm for that. It helped me to quiet my mind and focus on words that were crafted to express darkness and hope in a moment when both of those feelings were valid and relevant.

This collection of poems is divided into two parts: darkness and hope, and both speak to the struggles of mental illness. It was relatable. I loved the presence of water throughout the whole collection because water can be a thing that drowns you, but it can also be cleansing and refreshing and life-giving. I think this is probably why I liked the poem "60 Percent Water" so much.

I've read the opening poem, "Darkness and Hope," several times now, and I can't stop marveling at the diptych form. I read each side individually and then the whole thing together, and it all just works so well. It takes skill to write something like that, and I appreciate that talent in others.

This is a wonderful collection of poetry and I would recommend it to anyone, whether they're seasoned poetry-readers or just looking to dip their toes in. I look forward to seeing what Erica writes in the future!

[Beth Jacksier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't normally read poetry, but I found this collection to be truly beautiful and it touched my soul in a way I hadn't expected. I loved following along with Abbott's mental health journey in its raw vulnerability, as it feels like what she has experienced is an axiom of what we all inevitably feel at some point. I definitely recommend taking some "you" time and savoring even a few moments at a time with these poems.

[Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do yourself a favor and read this in one sitting. While each poem paints a picture in its own right (see St. Ends, Fever Pitch, and The Magic of Becoming), the portrait is best appreciated as a whole, greater than the sum of its parts. It is a glittering glass mosaic at once tragic and uplifting in its honesty. You'll find something new each time you revisit these pages.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vulnerable and beautifully written! Loved the “Darkness and Hope” intro and how the “Self-Portrait as a Sinking Ship” poem transitioned us from Darkness to Hope with that last stanza. “St. Ends, Patron Saint of Endings” is very relatable, and the origin of the name is so clever. I think “St. Ends” and “How to Stargaze Through the Light Pollution” would have to be my favorites.

[Lannie Stabile · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the hope and optimism that Abbott threads through this collection of anxiety and depression and loneliness. But navigating the poems as a reader was like trying to deliver pizza with an aerial view map. I feel I would have connected better to the material if there was a little more detail and risk involved.

[Raquel Luciano · Rating 5 out of 5]

This debut collection by Abbott is stunning! She takes the reader fiercely by the hand and makes them feel less alone in their darkness then offers a shining light of hope. My favorite pieces were in the "hope" section. Cohesive, poignant, clever, and tender. These poems are for everyone!

[Josh Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intensive, empowering poetry that spans form and genre to cover many topics we dare not to speak. I can feel myself resetting while reading Abbott’s words. Definitely a repeat read.

[Courtney LeBlanc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abbott takes the reader on a journey from the darkness - depression, mental illness, heartbreak - and brings them to a place of hope.

from Darkness and Hope: "future me tells / how an entire world / once belonging to the sky / waited on wishes"

from 10 Things You Should Know About Mental Illness: "The problem with monsters is they don't wear / name tags when they show up uninvited / to every party you've thrown yourself"

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Erica Abbott is a brave and vulnerable poet who's new chapbook is full of poems that take you by the hand through both the darkness and the light. Her honesty is inspiring and I devoured these poems in one sitting. Do yourself a favour and get a copy! The gorgeous cover art is just a bonus! Also, if you're not in the US, the e-book is super affordable.