Rating: 5 Stars
The Ballad of Lorianna by Christopher Laverty is a lovely collection of poetry written in a classical style, which, by the way, I happen to love. Poetry is such a personal thing because each poem is experienced differently by the reader. This collection is exceptional and it spoke to me in the most intimate way.
I read a lot of poetry. I host a daily poetry challenge on Litsy; therefore, I read several poems every day and I am exposed to a variety of styles and poets. Some I like and some I don’t. However, this collection was so good there was not a single poem I did not enjoy reading. I did have favorites and those I read 4 or more times. That’s how I know I love something… when I find myself being drawn back to it over and over again.
In particular, I appreciated that the poet did not make his verse over complex. The musings on life and the impression places and people leave on us shine through in these poems. There are a number of sonnets mixed in with longer and shorter verse. I liked the variety of length and subject. There is a hint of modern among the vintage which was a nice way to mix thing up a bit.
Here is a small taste to tempt you from Two Flowers:
“Two kinds of flowers are in life’s garden sown-
The first are words and deeds that spread a name;
For laurel wreaths and eulogies they’re grown
That blow such blossoms of the mind to fame.”
If you love poetry this is a collection you don’t want to miss. I read the entire collection twice and several poems multiple times and know I will return to often in the future. I received a free copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.