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sampayn3's review
5.0
Rawlings’s debut, All It Takes to Sink the Boat, is a profoundly intimate and visually arresting collection about mental well-being and expectations, the relationships that define us, self-discovery and empowerment. It is as much a book of poetry as a journal of artwork, with the soft pastel colours taking on a particularly whimsical tone that sets it apart from others.
Told through three chapters, Rawlings’s poems depict struggle: mental health struggle is a major theme, but also the pace of life, expectations on young women, and even the struggle to ‘attend your own party’ as the poet writes. I could feel the anguish as each subjects was explored, with the prose-like style aiding that unraveling of thoughts, almost as if a stream of consciousness written directly on the page. Rawlings doesn’t withhold honesty here and it made for an incredibly vulnerable reading.
For me, the collection was strongest when it was most intimate - the drawings of lonely moments we have all experienced, the pieces about her sexuality, her mother, her family history. Rawlings is brave enough to put on display the things we’re all too guarded to speak about, perhaps helping us to see ourselves and find solace.
I also really enjoyed the overarching fairytale theme, which gives the collection structure, and which the writer gradually dismantles. From stereotypes about what fairytales and princesses are to expectations put upon women, Rawlings’s attempts to rewrite them all. By the end, I felt she achieved her own definition of ‘fairytale.’
If you’re looking for a collection which is unique in its format, featuring prose-poetry, full colour artwork, and one that doesn’t shy away from vulnerability, I’d highly recommend this collection.
Told through three chapters, Rawlings’s poems depict struggle: mental health struggle is a major theme, but also the pace of life, expectations on young women, and even the struggle to ‘attend your own party’ as the poet writes. I could feel the anguish as each subjects was explored, with the prose-like style aiding that unraveling of thoughts, almost as if a stream of consciousness written directly on the page. Rawlings doesn’t withhold honesty here and it made for an incredibly vulnerable reading.
For me, the collection was strongest when it was most intimate - the drawings of lonely moments we have all experienced, the pieces about her sexuality, her mother, her family history. Rawlings is brave enough to put on display the things we’re all too guarded to speak about, perhaps helping us to see ourselves and find solace.
I also really enjoyed the overarching fairytale theme, which gives the collection structure, and which the writer gradually dismantles. From stereotypes about what fairytales and princesses are to expectations put upon women, Rawlings’s attempts to rewrite them all. By the end, I felt she achieved her own definition of ‘fairytale.’
If you’re looking for a collection which is unique in its format, featuring prose-poetry, full colour artwork, and one that doesn’t shy away from vulnerability, I’d highly recommend this collection.
superstucked's review
5.0
This poetry collection is stunning. This fully illustrated book is such a beautiful addition to any bookshelf.
I found myself mesmerized by the imagery, and revisiting my favourite poems time and time again.
One of my favourite lines was "maybe i was always supose to be the queen..."
And some favourite poems included 'The Future' and 'I Keep Dreaming About a Love'.
I found myself mesmerized by the imagery, and revisiting my favourite poems time and time again.
One of my favourite lines was "maybe i was always supose to be the queen..."
And some favourite poems included 'The Future' and 'I Keep Dreaming About a Love'.
shivanimanohar's review
5.0
Visual meets verse in this stunning debut by Johanna Rawlings.
In three aesthetically pleasing and emotionally gratifying chapters, she takes us on a journey through crowd-pleasing topics like love and self-discovery as well as intimate, personal topics like family and sexuality.
Laced with poems that make you come back for a second helping (then a third and then a fourth) and lines that stand out all on their own, Johanna’s words will have you smiling through tears.
In three aesthetically pleasing and emotionally gratifying chapters, she takes us on a journey through crowd-pleasing topics like love and self-discovery as well as intimate, personal topics like family and sexuality.
Laced with poems that make you come back for a second helping (then a third and then a fourth) and lines that stand out all on their own, Johanna’s words will have you smiling through tears.
skudiklier's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
This book is absolutely lovely! Johanna is an amazing poet and artist, and this collection feels just like her. I'm so glad I got to read it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Death, and Medical content
Minor: Biphobia, Homophobia, Suicidal thoughts, Transphobia, and Antisemitism
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