after-words

by Charlotte Pearl

A beautiful book for readers of 13 years upwards full of poetry and illustrations.One night a mother and daughter flee the threat of a man who should love them, swapping home for safety and new beginnings. Navigating powerful topics with warmth and honesty. It can be read start to finish as a complete story or dipped in and out of to find poems about life and love, growing up and the challenges it poses. After-words illustrates how hope can be found in the darkest places and the joy that is found in the every day. It is ultimately optimistic and overflowing with love.You were born withstardust in your souland love in your heartto light up the world- Charlotte Pearl

Genres: Poetry

180 pages, Paperback

Published November 10, 2022

Reviews

[Fran McBookface · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly lovely little volume.

Full of poems, musings and gorgeous illustrations, I really enjoyed dipping into this book.

I'm not much of a poetry reader but this could be the book to change that. The poems are beautiful and cover a variety of topics and experiences. Some to make you think, some to make you smile

A volume that I will be recommending and gifting

[Jane Eyre · Rating 3 out of 5]

A hug. For everything.

[Hannah Wilkinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was very kindly sent this collection of poetry by the author and it was a nice palette cleanser in the midst of my hefty December reading pile!

A combination of illustrations and words, after-words tells the story of a mother and daughter who leave their life behind seeking a fresh start. Fleeing from a man (we assume the husband and father of the pair) who brings hurt rather than safety, the poems are told from the perspective of the daughter, and the collections reads as the voice of a teenager. I recognised her angst immediately! That's not to say the topics aren't heavy, there is a lot of darkness within the poems and I definitely felt a connection with the speaker.

This would be a super read for an angsty young adult, as it navigates the challenges of life but with a strength and positivity throughout.

[Poppy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely collection of poems and one that I will be sharing with friends. Heartfelt and touching.

A personal favourite snippet, ‘You are an impossible contradiction; / a marvel of geometry, / last week’s science fiction, / tomorrow’s possibility.’

[kaitlyns_library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved the story woven throughout this poem. Whilst I couldn’t relate to everything, I related to others. This was written so well and I loved the artwork throughout the poem.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely collection. It was well written and just perfect in every way. Loved the little doodles too
Definitely recommend! ❤️

[Carlie Jansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought this at the notting hill book shop in london from a local author and absolutely fell in love. Beautifully written and like no other poetry I’ve read before

[travelsalongmybookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘I wrote this one for me and for you.’

This is a lovely little gem of a book. A collection of writings and poetry taking you on a journey through girlhood to womanhood. It’s beautifully written, thought provoking and moving and makes you think through the stages of your own life and thoughts as you read. It has some lovely little illustrations which complement it. There is a simplicity to the work but it manages to handle some very difficult themes with care and kindness. It would be great for teens to read and I even read some out to my son.

Sometimes,
You need to go the wrong way,
To find the right way.

Home.

[Alexandra Pitigoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has to be the most beautiful thing I’ve ever read. I fel like I was having a talk with my mom, but also my therapist:)). The words are so carefully chosen that you might really think they are after words. I could have read it in one sitting, but it was so peaceful that I wanted to have a little bit of it everyday!!

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some heartbreakingly beautiful poems
I really enjoyed reading this.
It got me in the feels.

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Es un abrazo muy fuerte a la niña interior

[Suruchi · Rating 4 out of 5]

SO many gems in this collection!

[Shan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5