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bndugan's review
4.0
This collection was very heavy. Her diction and wording were powerful, and honestly after every poem, it felt as if there was a mic drop, which shows just how powerful her written word is. While some of the topics I don't have experience with, her perspective and thoughts were raw, volatile, and powerful. I loved it and I cannot wait to read more by this poet!
katnortonwriter's review
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
Well, on one hand, I don’t recommend reading this whole collection in one sitting. It is raw and emotional and tackles a lot of big, complicated, and incredibly heavy issues. Check the trigger warnings.
On the other hand, I couldn’t put it down. Chapbooks like these are why I read poetry. I found myself hoping that there would be some thing a little bit uplifting at the end, but I am actually glad that Enyegue didn’t put any sort of neat button on the emotional complexity of this collection.
The language in this book is stunning. Most of the entries are prose-poems. I read a lot of them aloud, partly to make sure that I didn’t miss anything. As a white reader, I felt like it was my job to listen to what she had to say, and I’m not sure what I can add except to say but this is one of the most profound poetry collections I have read in a long time.
Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read an advance copy of this book. I preordered a copy for my collection, and so that I can share it with a friend.
On the other hand, I couldn’t put it down. Chapbooks like these are why I read poetry. I found myself hoping that there would be some thing a little bit uplifting at the end, but I am actually glad that Enyegue didn’t put any sort of neat button on the emotional complexity of this collection.
The language in this book is stunning. Most of the entries are prose-poems. I read a lot of them aloud, partly to make sure that I didn’t miss anything. As a white reader, I felt like it was my job to listen to what she had to say, and I’m not sure what I can add except to say but this is one of the most profound poetry collections I have read in a long time.
Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read an advance copy of this book. I preordered a copy for my collection, and so that I can share it with a friend.
waywordxwitch's review
5.0
~ ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion~
This is one of those poetry books that sits with you. It invites you to look at the trauma of black women. I've already recommended it - and will continue to do so. Powerful.
This is one of those poetry books that sits with you. It invites you to look at the trauma of black women. I've already recommended it - and will continue to do so. Powerful.
alishreads's review
4.0
Name: Heavy is the Head
Author: Sumaya Enyegue
Genre: Poetry &Prose
My Rating: 4.5/5
Trigger Warning: This book deals with topics of sexual assault, violence against bipoc, and struggles with mental health. please take care.
Review:
"Black girl must write poetry so other black girls can relate."
The poems speak of crimes against women, slavery, racism, the pains and wounds that the people carry, the scars that remain in their body and brain.
"Tell me about the bad blood, and I will tell you that there’s no such thing as good blood. only thick blood. only blood that’s forced to stay—only gaping wounds."
Here, the poems are a form of passive aggression, a rage originating from the pain and discrimination that generations of people carry within, in their bones, in their skin and in their blood.
"Why is everyone I love so fluid?
How do they slip through my fingers no matter how tightly I close my fists?
Admitting I’m sad feels like a betrayal to all the things I once survived, everything I once outlasted.
Everything I’ve ever called beautiful is now collateral damage."
This book found a special place in my heart. Each poetry is unique, and each has a profound effect on my soul. I could hear her cry and her silence. Her poems are relatable, and they evoke the feeling of oneness through the same situations we have been through.
[WHEN A BLACK GIRL DIES, THE LAST THING TO DECOMPOSE IS HER HEART.]
The poet uses different styles of poetry to speak her mind. I think it is a book one should read, not because this is an intriguing book, but because i believe that the poet's words deserve to be heard, to be read, and to be understood.
I would like to thank the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced e-copy of this book. My review and opinion of this book are not biased in any way.
Author: Sumaya Enyegue
Genre: Poetry &Prose
My Rating: 4.5/5
Trigger Warning: This book deals with topics of sexual assault, violence against bipoc, and struggles with mental health. please take care.
Review:
"Black girl must write poetry so other black girls can relate."
The poems speak of crimes against women, slavery, racism, the pains and wounds that the people carry, the scars that remain in their body and brain.
"Tell me about the bad blood, and I will tell you that there’s no such thing as good blood. only thick blood. only blood that’s forced to stay—only gaping wounds."
Here, the poems are a form of passive aggression, a rage originating from the pain and discrimination that generations of people carry within, in their bones, in their skin and in their blood.
"Why is everyone I love so fluid?
How do they slip through my fingers no matter how tightly I close my fists?
Admitting I’m sad feels like a betrayal to all the things I once survived, everything I once outlasted.
Everything I’ve ever called beautiful is now collateral damage."
This book found a special place in my heart. Each poetry is unique, and each has a profound effect on my soul. I could hear her cry and her silence. Her poems are relatable, and they evoke the feeling of oneness through the same situations we have been through.
[WHEN A BLACK GIRL DIES, THE LAST THING TO DECOMPOSE IS HER HEART.]
The poet uses different styles of poetry to speak her mind. I think it is a book one should read, not because this is an intriguing book, but because i believe that the poet's words deserve to be heard, to be read, and to be understood.
I would like to thank the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced e-copy of this book. My review and opinion of this book are not biased in any way.
hopelikeyou's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.75
this poetry collection was incredible. the language is beautiful even as it tells devastating, heartbreaking stories. this was one of those books that nestled in my rib cage and stayed there, the kind i will be thinking about for many months to come.
lizzieslittlelibrary's review against another edition
4.0
✨BOOK REVIEW✨
📚 Heavy is the Head - Sumaya Enyegue 📚
Heavy is the Head is a thought-provoking, emotionally charged collection of poetry which encompasses some very heavy themes, including womanhood, Blackness, racism, sexism, and mental health. It is bold, honest and impactful in its approach to tackling these topics and offers incredible insight into the human experience.
Whilst I am not a person of colour, I definitely resonated with so much Enyegue had to say, especially regarding topics of grief and the trauma experience. The prose is lyrical, evocative and intensely powerful in its portrayal of these themes. My heart was definitely left hurting, but yet yearning for more.
What you can expect:
🌺 #ownvoices poetry collection
🌺 An ode to Blackness
🌺 Generational trauma
🌺 Brutal honesty
An extremely vulnerable and honest exploration of some very heavy themes, so please keep that in mind before reading. But if you’re in the right space, I highly recommend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you so much to @netgalley @sumayapoetry and @centavebooks for sending me this to review 🙏🏻
emilylovesnovels's review
5.0
I’m speechless after finishing this. I really can’t put into words how good this book was. It was so emotional and I loved every second of it. The poems were beautifully written, I re-read them a thousand times.