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Allison
Through an ingenious combination of original poetry by Silva-Dunbar, set like jewels in a crown alongside erasure, found, and remixed writing, Allison is a book not to be trifled with–an eagle-eyed, nuanced, and honest exploration of the real-life character of Allison Mack. Silva-Dunbar’s powerful treatment of Mack’s lived experience–from her charmed beginning to her eventual conviction–courts readers through the psychological labyrinth constructed by fallen NXIVM leader Keith Raniere. At times shattering, at other times hopeful and restorative, Silva-Dunbar’s Allison guides us through this terrifying house of mirrors–shows us the subtle horrors of manipulation, coercion, perfectionism–the grisly demons that can grow in the margins of our consciousness and take over our entire existence. Allison is a must-read not only for those who grew up idolizing the bright, talented actor Allison Mack (and who might still be struggling to come to terms with what happened to her), but also for people who have condemned her, for anyone who is curious about the arabesque-like revolutions of the human mind. Allison reminds us what we can become by losing ourselves–and how close we can be to committing atrocities at any time–but Allison also asks readers to consider what we can become if we allow ourselves to heal and redefine our souls. Above all, this book humanizes with vivid, searching prose that most essential experience of living through darkness and, finally, emerging into the light.
–A.E. Copenhaver, author of My Days of Dark Green Euphoria, winner of the Siskiyou Prize for New Environmental Literature
–A.E. Copenhaver, author of My Days of Dark Green Euphoria, winner of the Siskiyou Prize for New Environmental Literature
- GenresPoetry
74 pages, Paperback
Published May 13, 2022
2 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 27, 2022
This isn’t something I’d typically read. I’m not big into researching cults and much true crime, but this was something my husband was intrigued by so I had to give it a try. Learning about Allison Mack’s story and her time in NXIVM was such an eye-opener and this collection of poetry really shows how she fell under the influence of Keith Raniere.
The poetry collections mirrors the psychological framework that was engrained in the followers, but also the hope that shines through the horrors of manipulation and other demons that Allison Mack may have felt. The way that these words correlate and really bring emotions to the page is just essential in how they showcase the understanding anyone could feel to find themselves and recenter one another.
The poetry collections mirrors the psychological framework that was engrained in the followers, but also the hope that shines through the horrors of manipulation and other demons that Allison Mack may have felt. The way that these words correlate and really bring emotions to the page is just essential in how they showcase the understanding anyone could feel to find themselves and recenter one another.
May 25, 2022
I didn’t know about this story before, so this was my first time hearing of Allison Mack. The writing was beautiful, and it’s a very easy and quick read. I felt many emotions for Allison while reading, sympathy, understanding, and compassion. I related to her at times. Well done.
July 26, 2022
"Some / of us at one point, wanted to be / loved by a mediocre man."
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I'm always fascinated by work that is created through the use of constraints and Marissa Silva-Dunbar's collection Allison employs constraints to create a truly troubling portrait of Allison Mack, a young Hollywood darling turned cult priestess, manipulator, abuser, body trafficker. Marissa takes the blog posts of Allison and reworks them into poems, creating something new and beautiful out of tragic love notes to the world. I find myself curious about what was left behind, but not so much that I can't appreciate what has been created from them.
.
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I'm always fascinated by work that is created through the use of constraints and Marissa Silva-Dunbar's collection Allison employs constraints to create a truly troubling portrait of Allison Mack, a young Hollywood darling turned cult priestess, manipulator, abuser, body trafficker. Marissa takes the blog posts of Allison and reworks them into poems, creating something new and beautiful out of tragic love notes to the world. I find myself curious about what was left behind, but not so much that I can't appreciate what has been created from them.
May 31, 2022
I have lots of thoughts about this poetry collection and will be compiling them into a blog post that will be posted hopefully within the week!
I’ve rated it three stars because some of the original poetry was enjoyable, but after researching and reading the remixed poetry I have some … ‘concerns’ is too strong of a word but it feels a little … wrong to make some things into art. But I will be exploring these ideas further within my blog post!
I’ve rated it three stars because some of the original poetry was enjoyable, but after researching and reading the remixed poetry I have some … ‘concerns’ is too strong of a word but it feels a little … wrong to make some things into art. But I will be exploring these ideas further within my blog post!
June 29, 2023
This was incredibly and wildly compelling. The writing was intense and beautiful. This is a gut-wrenching snapshot of the effects of trauma and coercion.
This was based on a real-life individual, but admittedly I did not know nearly enough about her prior to reading. I would have loved to see more background on Allison so that I could better be prepared for the work. I do not have a suggestion for how I would like to have seen it, but I was unfamiliar and that seemed to matter to me as a reader. It seems other reviewers feel the same way as well.
This was based on a real-life individual, but admittedly I did not know nearly enough about her prior to reading. I would have loved to see more background on Allison so that I could better be prepared for the work. I do not have a suggestion for how I would like to have seen it, but I was unfamiliar and that seemed to matter to me as a reader. It seems other reviewers feel the same way as well.
June 9, 2022
I think the poetry is well-crafted and that Silva-Dunbar is a great writer. As someone who is only loosely familiar with Allison Mack as an individual and has a very basic understanding of the logistics around the case, I did find it hard to connect with a lot of the poems in the way the author intended.
The concept was interesting but also a little uncomfortable, I think the circumstances surrounding Allison's case made me feel a little eerie with the content of this collection, especially with how recent it was. It's very much in a grey area for me after reading. I also felt like the collection heavily relied on remix poems, which given the concept makes sense, but I'm not the biggest fan of them.
This is my first introduction to Silva-Dunbar's writing and I am intrigued to read more of their work.
Trigger warning(?): read into Allison Mack's charges before picking up this collection.
Thank you Querencia Press for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review
The concept was interesting but also a little uncomfortable, I think the circumstances surrounding Allison's case made me feel a little eerie with the content of this collection, especially with how recent it was. It's very much in a grey area for me after reading. I also felt like the collection heavily relied on remix poems, which given the concept makes sense, but I'm not the biggest fan of them.
This is my first introduction to Silva-Dunbar's writing and I am intrigued to read more of their work.
Trigger warning(?): read into Allison Mack's charges before picking up this collection.
Thank you Querencia Press for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review
June 13, 2022
I loved this powerful poetry collection inspired by Allison Mack and her experience in the NXIVM cult. This was a nuanced, three-dimensional portrayal of Allison that incorporated material from Allison's own blog. It showed her struggles, her good intentions and her acquiescence to evil all at once. I really identified with the portrayal of Allison on these pages, and it made me think about times in my past when I wanted to subsume my identity to that of a man I loved. I still often feel not "enough" and want to find identity outside of myself, and I felt those desires reflected so strongly and accurately through the powerful imagery and construction of poems in this book. I liked the way the author explored the possibilities of healing, both for Allison and for those of us who identify with her and have had similar thoughts, even if we haven't had the same extreme experiences Allison has. The imagery in this collection is beautiful, and it accomplishes a lot in few words. A lot of clearly went into this book.
May 14, 2022
Title: "Allison" by Marisa Silva-Dunbar
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Summary:
A book of poetry using Allison Mack's and other people's websites and blogs, occasionally an email. Discussing elements of what Allison Mack did, some thoughts of her's during a certain time period.
Review:
This was a digital copy I recieved from Querencia Press, so thank you.
"Most of his women transform into ghastly creatures" pg. 33
I went into this book not knowing the background. So, when I learned of the story regarding Allison Mack, it changed my whole perception of the book. At first I thought the character was in a difficult relationship, so was sympathising with her, then discovered what happened which made reading it a little uncomfortable.
Some lines are sweet actually; there is one which discusses how a friend made a scarf, and it's like a hug from her. However, I wish trigger warnings were provided. The topic was difficult but the writing was well done.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Summary:
A book of poetry using Allison Mack's and other people's websites and blogs, occasionally an email. Discussing elements of what Allison Mack did, some thoughts of her's during a certain time period.
Review:
This was a digital copy I recieved from Querencia Press, so thank you.
"Most of his women transform into ghastly creatures" pg. 33
I went into this book not knowing the background. So, when I learned of the story regarding Allison Mack, it changed my whole perception of the book. At first I thought the character was in a difficult relationship, so was sympathising with her, then discovered what happened which made reading it a little uncomfortable.
Some lines are sweet actually; there is one which discusses how a friend made a scarf, and it's like a hug from her. However, I wish trigger warnings were provided. The topic was difficult but the writing was well done.
May 22, 2022
I decided at the beginning of the year I would broaden my writing experiences and try new genres and authors. I was delighted to be offered this book to review, as poetry books are not something I’d usually pick up.
After reading this collection, I am pleasantly surprised at how much I appreciated these poems by Marisa Silver-Dunbar. The story she tells through her words is emotionally empowering, and she paints a clear picture of Allison’s journey. Some parts are dark and deep, but this added to the enjoyment.
As a set of poems, this was a quick read and could work wonders if you are in a reading slump or only have a short time to read. This book also proves to be a great introduction to this genre. Thanks to this read, I will now be browsing poetry releases too!
After reading this collection, I am pleasantly surprised at how much I appreciated these poems by Marisa Silver-Dunbar. The story she tells through her words is emotionally empowering, and she paints a clear picture of Allison’s journey. Some parts are dark and deep, but this added to the enjoyment.
As a set of poems, this was a quick read and could work wonders if you are in a reading slump or only have a short time to read. This book also proves to be a great introduction to this genre. Thanks to this read, I will now be browsing poetry releases too!
June 1, 2022
This wasn’t something I would usually read, but sounded interesting. A collection of poems - original and/or made from emails and spoken words from the Allison Mack case.
It was different and even though I knew of the case, I didn’t look into it completely. This made me want to look further. It pulled me in and I’m unsure if it was supposed to do this, but I felt quite sorry for Allison. All she wanted was to be loved and cared for, and she was taken advantage of. I don’t feel too sorry for her of course, even when you want those meaningful feelings and relationship, you still know right from wrong.
Thank you to Querencia Press for gifting me this and expanding on what I read.
It was different and even though I knew of the case, I didn’t look into it completely. This made me want to look further. It pulled me in and I’m unsure if it was supposed to do this, but I felt quite sorry for Allison. All she wanted was to be loved and cared for, and she was taken advantage of. I don’t feel too sorry for her of course, even when you want those meaningful feelings and relationship, you still know right from wrong.
Thank you to Querencia Press for gifting me this and expanding on what I read.
August 30, 2022
Thank you to Querencia Press for this free copy in exchange for a review.
This was my first time hearing about Allison Mack, of which these poems are based upon. I did find them really interesting to learn about and it has definitely left me wanting more.
I also loved the writing style the author has, however, I feel for me to truly connect with these, I would've needed to understand the situation going into the anthology beforehand, in my personal opinion.
That being said, I did really enjoy this one!
This was my first time hearing about Allison Mack, of which these poems are based upon. I did find them really interesting to learn about and it has definitely left me wanting more.
I also loved the writing style the author has, however, I feel for me to truly connect with these, I would've needed to understand the situation going into the anthology beforehand, in my personal opinion.
That being said, I did really enjoy this one!
May 26, 2022
Thank you Querencia Press for the gifted copy of Allison!
Before reading this book I had no idea who Allison Mack was or what she was involved in. About 1/4 of the way through I actually had to look her up because this book gave no back story which was a little weird to me. I did really enjoy it though once I knew a little more about her. I would definitely recommend this book to others who enjoy poetry.
Before reading this book I had no idea who Allison Mack was or what she was involved in. About 1/4 of the way through I actually had to look her up because this book gave no back story which was a little weird to me. I did really enjoy it though once I knew a little more about her. I would definitely recommend this book to others who enjoy poetry.
June 25, 2022
really amazing use of original poetry and remixed blog posts from Frank Report and allison's blog. I don't think any other poet out there is doing anything like this. Highly recommend. Kudos to the author.
September 13, 2025
NXIVM based erasure poems, sometimes I think they write books just for me.
June 29, 2023
I stumbled on this book, and I’m glad I did. I had no idea who Allison Mack was before reading this book, but the journey these poems took me on was fascinating. The author does an excellent job at picking into Allison’s brain, the life she had and how she fell into *him*.
I tend to be picky about poetry. I can’t stand Dickinson, and most modern poets I’ve read lack artistry. Silva-Dunbar writes with a clever twist on words I have not seen in a long time.
I tend to be picky about poetry. I can’t stand Dickinson, and most modern poets I’ve read lack artistry. Silva-Dunbar writes with a clever twist on words I have not seen in a long time.
May 25, 2022
Thank you Querencia Press for a print copy of Allison by Marisa Silva-Dunbar to review.
Within a few pieces I needed to look into Allison Mack and, similar to another reviewer’s comments, this was useful but also what made it an uncomfortable read. I personally feel the author should have acknowledged Mack, her experience and her crimes ahead of the poetry. Not just as a trigger warning but more so because the majority of the work is remixed from Mack’s own writing. I think a reader should be aware of that, despite Mack herself being a victim, she pled guilty to sex trafficking and reading remixes of her words didn’t feel transgressive and unique, it felt a little tone deaf and contentious (a particular example of this is June 24th, 2014: Life & Death).
It was a disappointment because Silva-Dunbar’s style in the poems written without Mack’s words or as erasures, were superb! The choice to erase male pronouns throughout was original and I loved how this was sustained. Poems like Sister/Traitor and Wonderstruck demonstrate Silva-Dunbar’s feelings towards Mack and what happened in a powerful and uncompromising way. These pieces made me ache for Silva-Dunbar’s words rather than the words put in Mack’s mouth in response to her blog posts.
The structure is well-crafted too - with the choice of epigraphs illustrating the complexity of human beings. Essentially I think the heavy focus on Mack’s own words is what let this down. As all that Silva-Dunbar hoped, I think, to have achieved could have be done through her choices with both imagery and structure as Silva-Dunbar is undoubtedly talented. The content was just not for me.
Within a few pieces I needed to look into Allison Mack and, similar to another reviewer’s comments, this was useful but also what made it an uncomfortable read. I personally feel the author should have acknowledged Mack, her experience and her crimes ahead of the poetry. Not just as a trigger warning but more so because the majority of the work is remixed from Mack’s own writing. I think a reader should be aware of that, despite Mack herself being a victim, she pled guilty to sex trafficking and reading remixes of her words didn’t feel transgressive and unique, it felt a little tone deaf and contentious (a particular example of this is June 24th, 2014: Life & Death).
It was a disappointment because Silva-Dunbar’s style in the poems written without Mack’s words or as erasures, were superb! The choice to erase male pronouns throughout was original and I loved how this was sustained. Poems like Sister/Traitor and Wonderstruck demonstrate Silva-Dunbar’s feelings towards Mack and what happened in a powerful and uncompromising way. These pieces made me ache for Silva-Dunbar’s words rather than the words put in Mack’s mouth in response to her blog posts.
The structure is well-crafted too - with the choice of epigraphs illustrating the complexity of human beings. Essentially I think the heavy focus on Mack’s own words is what let this down. As all that Silva-Dunbar hoped, I think, to have achieved could have be done through her choices with both imagery and structure as Silva-Dunbar is undoubtedly talented. The content was just not for me.
October 18, 2022
3.5 stars
This is a really interesting collection I’m having a hard time deciding my feelings about. The premise is so fascinating as this collection takes pieces of Mack’s own writing and remixes them into new poems. I’m honestly not sure how I feel about that.
I did think it was a fascinating look into the psychology of brainwashing within cults and asks the really important question of is someone like Mack a victim or a perpetrator? Or both?
This is a really interesting collection I’m having a hard time deciding my feelings about. The premise is so fascinating as this collection takes pieces of Mack’s own writing and remixes them into new poems. I’m honestly not sure how I feel about that.
I did think it was a fascinating look into the psychology of brainwashing within cults and asks the really important question of is someone like Mack a victim or a perpetrator? Or both?
May 17, 2022
Allison is an important take on the actions of Allison Mack and her experience with Keith Raniere’s NXIVM. This collection spotlights the gaslighting and trauma responses in a way that gives insight into the phenomenon of the cult mindset and how it victimizes its participants. It’s beautifully written, and Marisa has made something unique with the addition of the remixed blog entries.
June 2, 2024
Former NXIVM victim, Allison Mack.
A personal (sometimes uncomfortable) glimpse into the mind and soul of Allie Mack. Mesmerizing and brutal. Honest and heartbreaking. I've watched several documentaries about Keith Raniere and his "path to a more ethical and enlightened world through training and personal growth" program.
Through manipulation and with psychotic, narcissistic glee, he plants his sadistic destructive seed into the minds of his faithful flock of believers in an attempt to rule the world. Allie Mack is just one of his victims. She goes all in blindly, setting herself up for a downward spiral of mind control, sexual abuse, and in the end, prison.
Her writings take us through her heartbreaking journey....we aren't told how her journey ends yet....hopefully she will come out on the other side somewhat intact. I hope so. No doubt she will have this scar on her soul for the rest of her life.
A personal (sometimes uncomfortable) glimpse into the mind and soul of Allie Mack. Mesmerizing and brutal. Honest and heartbreaking. I've watched several documentaries about Keith Raniere and his "path to a more ethical and enlightened world through training and personal growth" program.
Through manipulation and with psychotic, narcissistic glee, he plants his sadistic destructive seed into the minds of his faithful flock of believers in an attempt to rule the world. Allie Mack is just one of his victims. She goes all in blindly, setting herself up for a downward spiral of mind control, sexual abuse, and in the end, prison.
Her writings take us through her heartbreaking journey....we aren't told how her journey ends yet....hopefully she will come out on the other side somewhat intact. I hope so. No doubt she will have this scar on her soul for the rest of her life.
March 29, 2023
I'm sure I may have missed some of the connections made in this book as I have no knowledge of Allison Mack. However, this book is very well written and speaks about abusive relationships and how hard it can be to get away. It also talks about the "other girls", and how this woman was convinced that somehow she could be different than all of the others this man discarded of only to find out she would be discarded in just the same way. A powerful, painful read about how a woman takes her power and her life back and how hard it can be to find oneself after they've lost themselves into the identity of their abuser.
August 21, 2023
I didn't know the person the author was trying to tell her stories to everyone, but the poems managed to capture the essence of it. It was engaging halfway and it is somehow a unique take in writing it in poems. Overall, it was good but not really the best to hooked my attention on.
Thank you to Netgalley for the eARC!!
Thank you to Netgalley for the eARC!!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews