laurenjpegler's review against another edition
5.0
Actual rating: 4.5 stars.
I have finally done it: I've read Emily's poetry in its entirety (well except the lost ones). This collection is brilliant for those of you who want to read Emily's poetry. Janet Gezari has spilt Emily's verse into 5 categories: poems published in 1846, dated poems, undated poems, poems of doubtful authorship and poems as edited by Charlotte in 1850. This makes reading them much more enjoyable as you can watch Emily's writing develop and see how she begins to experiment with her verse a little more.
The only reason I rated this down by half a star (*cue shocked faces*) is because there was the occasional poem that didn't interest me as much as the others. Sometimes, I find Emily's Gondal poems a little heavy (despite them being so interesting, and demonstrating her brilliance so wonderfully). Also, even though this shouldn't affect the rating as it's not technically Emily, I didn't enjoy Charlotte's revisions. It was so obvious to me that they weren't Emily's true and natural work; they felt utterly different.
Despite this, this was a lovely collection of poetry. Emily has such an enchanting way with verse. I definitely think her best ability lies with her nature poems; these are my ultimate favourites. They just click with me because I often understand and appreciate exactly what she is saying. If I've taken anything away from reading Emily's poetry in its entirety then it's the solidification that 'The Bluebell is the sweetest flower' is my favourite poem by her. This is such a paradoxical, heart-warming and tender read for me. I feel what she is saying on a spiritual(?) level.
I'd definitely recommend this!!!
I have finally done it: I've read Emily's poetry in its entirety (well except the lost ones). This collection is brilliant for those of you who want to read Emily's poetry. Janet Gezari has spilt Emily's verse into 5 categories: poems published in 1846, dated poems, undated poems, poems of doubtful authorship and poems as edited by Charlotte in 1850. This makes reading them much more enjoyable as you can watch Emily's writing develop and see how she begins to experiment with her verse a little more.
The only reason I rated this down by half a star (*cue shocked faces*) is because there was the occasional poem that didn't interest me as much as the others. Sometimes, I find Emily's Gondal poems a little heavy (despite them being so interesting, and demonstrating her brilliance so wonderfully). Also, even though this shouldn't affect the rating as it's not technically Emily, I didn't enjoy Charlotte's revisions. It was so obvious to me that they weren't Emily's true and natural work; they felt utterly different.
Despite this, this was a lovely collection of poetry. Emily has such an enchanting way with verse. I definitely think her best ability lies with her nature poems; these are my ultimate favourites. They just click with me because I often understand and appreciate exactly what she is saying. If I've taken anything away from reading Emily's poetry in its entirety then it's the solidification that 'The Bluebell is the sweetest flower' is my favourite poem by her. This is such a paradoxical, heart-warming and tender read for me. I feel what she is saying on a spiritual(?) level.
I'd definitely recommend this!!!
flynxnguyen's review against another edition
3.0
I asked my self O why has heaven
Denied the precious gift to me
The glorious gift to many given
To speak their thoughts in poetry
Denied the precious gift to me
The glorious gift to many given
To speak their thoughts in poetry
katyrc's review against another edition
I only really read this because it's Emily Bronte and I had it on my shelf. Poetry generally isn't for me, so I did struggle with this, but Emily does have a way with words and I did highlight some passages that will stick with me.
esmeflorence's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
4.25
msisintheunknown's review against another edition
4.0
It is beautiful, but I do not like it. Poetry is not for me.
jelenab's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
4.75
"Cold in the earth —and the deep snow piled above thee ,
Far, far, removed, cold in the dreary grave!
Have I forgot, my only Love , to love thee , Severed at last by Time's all-severing wave'?
Now , when alone , do my thoughts no longer hover
Over the mountains , on that northern shore , Resting their wings where heath and fern -leaves cover
Thy noble heart for ever, ever more?
Cold in the earth—and fifteen wild Decembers,
From those brown hills , have melted into spring:
Faithful , indeed , is the spirit that remembers
After such years of change and suffering!
Sweet Love of youth , forgive, if I forget thee, While the world’s tide is bearing me along ; Other desires and other hopes beset me , Hopes which obscure, but cannot do thee wrong!
No later light has lightened up my heaven, No second morn has ever shone for me;
All my life’s bliss from thy dear life was given ,
All my life's bliss is in the grave with thee.
But, when the days of golden dreams perished ,
And even Despair was powerless to destroy;
Then did I learn how existence could cherished,
Strengthened , and fed without the aid of joy.
Then did I check the tears Of useless passion
Weaned my young soul from yearning after thine;
Sternly denied its burning wish to hasten Down to that tomb already more than mine.
And , even yet , I dare not let it languish , Dare not indulge in memory's rapturous pain;
Once drinking deep of that divinest anguish , How could I seek the empty world again?"
Far, far, removed, cold in the dreary grave!
Have I forgot, my only Love , to love thee , Severed at last by Time's all-severing wave'?
Now , when alone , do my thoughts no longer hover
Over the mountains , on that northern shore , Resting their wings where heath and fern -leaves cover
Thy noble heart for ever, ever more?
Cold in the earth—and fifteen wild Decembers,
From those brown hills , have melted into spring:
Faithful , indeed , is the spirit that remembers
After such years of change and suffering!
Sweet Love of youth , forgive, if I forget thee, While the world’s tide is bearing me along ; Other desires and other hopes beset me , Hopes which obscure, but cannot do thee wrong!
No later light has lightened up my heaven, No second morn has ever shone for me;
All my life’s bliss from thy dear life was given ,
All my life's bliss is in the grave with thee.
But, when the days of golden dreams perished ,
And even Despair was powerless to destroy;
Then did I learn how existence could cherished,
Strengthened , and fed without the aid of joy.
Then did I check the tears Of useless passion
Weaned my young soul from yearning after thine;
Sternly denied its burning wish to hasten Down to that tomb already more than mine.
And , even yet , I dare not let it languish , Dare not indulge in memory's rapturous pain;
Once drinking deep of that divinest anguish , How could I seek the empty world again?"
neolx's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
3.5
Would I have rather read another novel written by Emily Brontë than this little poetry collection? Yes.
Is this poetry collection necessary reading for hardcore Emily fans? Sure. For people who enjoyed Wuthering Heights but aren't into poetry? No!
Do you recommend: (A) reading the poems in succession in a short period of time, or (B) at random throughout your life? Option B.
Were the poems beautifully written? Yes. Engaging and interesting? The first half of the collection, yes. Were these poems morbid as hell and great for reading out at funerals? Yes!
Is this poetry collection necessary reading for hardcore Emily fans? Sure. For people who enjoyed Wuthering Heights but aren't into poetry? No!
Do you recommend: (A) reading the poems in succession in a short period of time, or (B) at random throughout your life? Option B.
Were the poems beautifully written? Yes. Engaging and interesting? The first half of the collection, yes. Were these poems morbid as hell and great for reading out at funerals? Yes!