Seashore

by Hannah Cao, Ngoc Anh Phan (Illustrator)

There are easier things to write about than a broken family, heartbreak and mental illness but I have always been vulnerable in my words. This collection is more than tales from my life that truly began with a move to London, an abundance of heartbroken notes, letters to my estranged father I will never send and love poems to a Valentine and most of all, a self. It is a journey to comfort, a journey to the shore.

Genres: Poetry

Paperback

Published February 14, 2020

About the author

Hannah Cao is a poet and novelist based in Germany. She is the author of poetry collections, a contemporary novel, and is working on mystery and dark academia projects.
Pulling inspiration from her personal adventures growing up between different cultures and homes, falling in love, battling mental health, and dealing with loss along the way, she now fuels her writing with topics of identity, belonging and the complexity of interpersonal relationships.

Reviews

[r · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is so beautiful and while i was reading this i could totally relate to some poems and it reminded of moments in my life.

[cossette · Rating 5 out of 5]

i'm not even remotely surprised at how much i loved SEASHORE; the snippets of hannah's writing that i've seen through socials have always taken my breath away + filled my mind with the most vivid pictures, and SEASHORE was no different. SEASHORE is an absolutely lovely collection, and i'm even more excited to see what cao writes next!

[mary ❀ · Rating 4 out of 5]

a very lovely collection!

full review to come.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

[re-read]

*i do it all the time, the sudden overthinking, the downward spiral in moments that could've been happy.*

I've been following Hannah's writing since her (and also my) blogging days. So yes, I knew Seashore would not disappoint. Seashore is a lovely and beautifully written collection. Hannah has the talent to express human emotion so well that you cannot help but see yourself in her words. She doesn't use elaborate words, her writing style is simple but it is honest, raw, and has so much power. It captivates you and comforts you. She makes you feel understood.

When it comes to express my own emotions, words often fail me so I've always found it amazing how other people can capture my own feelings and experiences so well even if we've never met in real life. I felt every feeling she poured into the book. The book is divided into sections: *Londoner, For the love of a daughter, The deep sea, History of us, Are you in love,* and *Watching sunsets by yourself*. I don't have a favourite section because each feels special in its own way. However, the poems from *The deep sea, For the love of a daughter,* and *Watching sunsets by yourself* deeply resonated with me. Another thing I love about this collection is that it flows perfectly and it's very visual as well. It often felt like a slice of life film where you could picture yourself experiencing all these things Hannah talks about.

Talking about personal difficult matters and wounds is not an easy task and I do think Hannah is brave for publishing her work. From mental health issues to family struggles, Hannah poured her heart into this.

I really can't wait to read Hannah's first novel later this year and everything else she writes in the future <3

[spence jewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so incredible and well-written. Every poem tells such a beautiful story that speaks to my soul, and it’s a breathtaking experience to read them outside. I found that my copy became worn from bringing it to so many places, which is all you can ever ask of a book. It’s seen the beach, the city, and the willow trees in the nearest park, and all of these experiences have contributed to a magnificent work of art. As per the dedication, you really can “feel the breeze of the sea within these pages.”

[Sallie Lundh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah Cao’s SEASHORE is not only a peak into the mind of a poet, but also into someone’s heart — reading these poems made me feel like reading a (beautifully written) diary, every piece so personal and full of meaning found in her own life. I find it so beautiful when you read a collection, and it turns out to be a book of fragments of the writer’s own soul. She is taking her own loved moments, and turns them to art. I am so happy to have this in my bookshelf!

[Catherine May · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read its preview on Kindle and from it I think it resonates with me so much. It's like a personal experience written by a great writer. It is genuine and honest and beautifully written as well. Too bad I don't have the means to buy a physical copy of this book or even just a full version of it.

[Nicola · Rating 5 out of 5]

isn’t it eerie that such personal glimpses at snippets of someone else’s life can still feel so familiar that you cannot help but see yourself in them? that was precisely the case for me with many a poem here & all i can say is i’m in awe — or, in less words, i adore this little poetry collection!

[moira · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.8/5

some poems (especially for the love of a daughter and the deep sea chapters) are just so relatable and hitting too close to home. seashore was a beautiful journey of growing up and family, love and lose, and finding yourself.

[MeiLing]

Simple, lovely, and soft poems. Hannah Cao's writing makes me want to explore and travel. I hope one day this book gets made into an audiobook because I'd love to hear it be read aloud.

[Bey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wish my head was a secret keeper and leave me alone Mind its own business Hide the ugly thoughts even from me

Some poetries hit too close to home...

[Clemmie Joly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful honest collection

[Hilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought it was going to be about selling sea shells… disappointed it wasnt but glad there were some pretty poems

[nidhi · Rating 4 out of 5]

one of the few poetry books I liked!! such beautiful and raw writing i loved every line in this!

[Epsita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this collection of poems and there were plenty I could relate with. There were some I didn’t particularly enjoy, but overall this collection was good.

[Élise · Rating 4 out of 5]

actual rating: 4 stars
full review here: https://intosolarium.com/blog/book-re...

[eureka]

this book was one of my most anticipated reads this year (2020) and it was definitely worth the wait.

hannah cao has a way with words that effortlessly exudes simplicity and loveliness at the same time. i felt every emotion that she poured into this book with each section that it has, though i have to say that are you in love is my favourite. mainly because i'm a sucker for love and i love being inspired by love and art and people and the moments in between. such a lovely read for a beautiful poetry collection.