“For A Rose That Blooms In Fire” is a collection of poetry that explores the reality of abusive relationships, and one’s infinite capacity for healing. The collection shatters the rose-colored glasses society tends to unconsciously associate with “chaotic romance”, and paints a clearer view into the power of self-reclamation.

Through a graceful balancing act between the darkness and the light that comes with healing, Isabel invites you to take the first step towards the most important relationship you will ever know-the one you have with yourself.

I had to sit with my thoughts on this one for a bit before writing up my review, because this is the type of modern poetry I enjoy and I wanted to be able to articulate what I was really feeling and thinking after reading this.

This collection is not for the faint of heart and is going to mean different things depending on what you’ve experienced in your life, but it’s raw and full of imagery that is powerful. The sequence of the poems themselves is definitely a progression from experiencing abuse (among other things) and then getting out of that situation and discovering yourself/rising above it as life goes on.

I definitely recommend reading the foreword from the author as that contains more information and clarification on their experience. There are definite trigger warnings for abuse, gaslighting, rape, depression and more, so if those are triggering for you be aware and exercise self care when approaching this read. As a survivor of an abusive relationship myself there were parts of it that were hard and too real to my own experience, but also it proved to be soothing since it felt like someone else understood some of the things I experienced myself, which in and of itself can be therapeutic and freeing.

Thanks to Isabel for sending me a copy of her book so that I could check it out!

Happy reading!