gracemessi's review against another edition
4.0
The writing style of this was beautiful and I loved a lot of the poems! I felt disconnected from about half of them, though. But the last few poems were definitely favorites!
scarlettpeterson's review against another edition
2.0
In a world equipped with the opportunity to self-publish it’s a toss up - will this poetry speak to me? Will it be riddled with cliches and faux profundity? One never knows. This collection from K. Y. Robinson is a mixed bag, neither the best nor the worst that I’ve read.
I got this book via Goodreads Giveaways, signed by Robinson and everything. The circumstance of having received this book directly from the author makes giving it a mixed review a little more painful, but necessary nonetheless.
I was starkly disappointed the farther that I read - the first two poems in the collection grabbed me, I was ready for a devastating book. Unfortunately, I didn’t feel very satisfied by the time I finished it. Robinson addresses so many of my favorite subjects; topics in this collection range from her cultural background and her childhood to her victimhood to her sexual agency. There was so much potential here!
Like e. e. cummings, Robinson doesn’t capitalize anything throughout the course of the collection, including her name. I consider that a bit of a bold move, though it’s totally stylistic. Overall, this element of the collection didn’t really profoundly affect the way it read, but I considered it worth note. For the most part she seems to be a free form poet. I didn’t catch much meter, but I did catch (and promptly take issue with) a good deal of rhyming.
There were so many great lines in this collection, but time and time again they were muddied by forced rhymes or other, weaker lines and images. In some poems Robinson is specific, uses images, and doesn’t force random rhyme patterns; I’ve dogeared (gasp) roughly a dozen very strong poems and took a mental note of dozens of stanzas that were incredible even when the entire poem wasn’t so concisely written. Don’t get me wrong, I have no issue with rhymes that don’t detract from the diction of a piece, but in multiple instances it was clear that the rhyme scheme in a poem took precedence over the strength of the language itself.
There were even a (slim) few instances in which it seemed that Robinson misused words (ie. “lynching” instead of “leeching” in “certain men” pg. 67). I hate to be harsh, but this collection was definitely in need of some polishing prior to publishing.
When Robinson didn’t limit herself by attempting an unnecessary rhyme or muddle things with cliches, her work shone as unique. I truly hope to see more from her in the future and see how her writing evolves.
My top five poems in the collection were “blood,” “1.7.93,” “charcoal,” “smoke,” and “gun and broom.”
I got this book via Goodreads Giveaways, signed by Robinson and everything. The circumstance of having received this book directly from the author makes giving it a mixed review a little more painful, but necessary nonetheless.
I was starkly disappointed the farther that I read - the first two poems in the collection grabbed me, I was ready for a devastating book. Unfortunately, I didn’t feel very satisfied by the time I finished it. Robinson addresses so many of my favorite subjects; topics in this collection range from her cultural background and her childhood to her victimhood to her sexual agency. There was so much potential here!
Like e. e. cummings, Robinson doesn’t capitalize anything throughout the course of the collection, including her name. I consider that a bit of a bold move, though it’s totally stylistic. Overall, this element of the collection didn’t really profoundly affect the way it read, but I considered it worth note. For the most part she seems to be a free form poet. I didn’t catch much meter, but I did catch (and promptly take issue with) a good deal of rhyming.
There were so many great lines in this collection, but time and time again they were muddied by forced rhymes or other, weaker lines and images. In some poems Robinson is specific, uses images, and doesn’t force random rhyme patterns; I’ve dogeared (gasp) roughly a dozen very strong poems and took a mental note of dozens of stanzas that were incredible even when the entire poem wasn’t so concisely written. Don’t get me wrong, I have no issue with rhymes that don’t detract from the diction of a piece, but in multiple instances it was clear that the rhyme scheme in a poem took precedence over the strength of the language itself.
There were even a (slim) few instances in which it seemed that Robinson misused words (ie. “lynching” instead of “leeching” in “certain men” pg. 67). I hate to be harsh, but this collection was definitely in need of some polishing prior to publishing.
When Robinson didn’t limit herself by attempting an unnecessary rhyme or muddle things with cliches, her work shone as unique. I truly hope to see more from her in the future and see how her writing evolves.
My top five poems in the collection were “blood,” “1.7.93,” “charcoal,” “smoke,” and “gun and broom.”
jayra's review against another edition
4.0
3.5/5
there is chaos
in our bones.
grind them
into ashes.
cry over them
until they're dissolved.
My favorite part of this collection is Epiphany.
The Chaos of Longing is a collection of unrequited love, sex, lust, heartbreak & self-love. It is amazing that there are a lot of poems that has become my favorite.
there is chaos
in our bones.
grind them
into ashes.
cry over them
until they're dissolved.
My favorite part of this collection is Epiphany.
The Chaos of Longing is a collection of unrequited love, sex, lust, heartbreak & self-love. It is amazing that there are a lot of poems that has become my favorite.
steakuccino's review against another edition
5.0
A Strong and heart-filled voice
I am not going to say I connected with every one of these poems. For some of them, I really don’t feel I’m the intended audience (which is totally fine and I hope they reach the people they’d really speak to!), but at the same time there were some that hit me so hard that tears came to my eyes. If that’s not a resounding endorsement, I don’t know what is. Robinson really has a handle on her voice.
I am not going to say I connected with every one of these poems. For some of them, I really don’t feel I’m the intended audience (which is totally fine and I hope they reach the people they’d really speak to!), but at the same time there were some that hit me so hard that tears came to my eyes. If that’s not a resounding endorsement, I don’t know what is. Robinson really has a handle on her voice.
zozoisgolden's review against another edition
4.0
All I can say is that this is heartbreaking from the beginning.
tunks's review against another edition
5.0
Enjoyed this!!!
Love the progression -raw vulnerability and growth
Love the progression -raw vulnerability and growth
lelex's review against another edition
3.0
I was worried this was going to be weird and bad and just like cliches put into poem format but it was pretty good. Some of the poems got a little repetitive after a while but overall it was still solid!
"he is threatened by the way you love him."
"he is threatened by the way you love him."
thearosemary's review against another edition
4.0
The Chaos of Longing was a gorgeous collection of poetry that discusses a variety of important topics, such as sexual-assault, mental illnesses, racism to the love and heartbreak of relationships.
Robinson takes us through each stage of love. The first flutters, the waves of lust, the embers of doubts that grow into a wildfire until finally you are left with the crushing agony of a broken heart. These emotions are something that we all must experience, but the way Robinson captures it was simply breathtaking.
For my full review of this stunning masterpiece, click here: https://taylormaemarie.com/2017/08/07/book-review-the-chaos-of-longing-by-k-y-robinson/
when you look at me,
stars cluster in your eyes
but I often wonder if
my black holes
will swallow them whole
because deep down
I’m a connoisseur
of sabotage.
Robinson takes us through each stage of love. The first flutters, the waves of lust, the embers of doubts that grow into a wildfire until finally you are left with the crushing agony of a broken heart. These emotions are something that we all must experience, but the way Robinson captures it was simply breathtaking.
For my full review of this stunning masterpiece, click here: https://taylormaemarie.com/2017/08/07/book-review-the-chaos-of-longing-by-k-y-robinson/
carolinethereader's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this exactly as much as I expected to. Although there were some points where I found this collection somewhat repetitive there were plenty of times were I found it powerful and surprisingly relatable. As with a lot of modern poetry, the strength of these poems was in their simplicity. A few words can pack a big punch.
Not everyone who enjoyed books of poetry like Milk & Honey will enjoy this one as much because it does have a bit more of a sexual theme at times but I actually quite enjoyed that aspect. I also think the final section was inspiring and uplifting because it was all about self-love and acceptance.
Not everyone who enjoyed books of poetry like Milk & Honey will enjoy this one as much because it does have a bit more of a sexual theme at times but I actually quite enjoyed that aspect. I also think the final section was inspiring and uplifting because it was all about self-love and acceptance.
jasallbooked's review against another edition
5.0
Purchased this poetry collection after seeing recommendations after I read (and loved) a few other collections. Absolutely loved The Chaos of Longing, devoured it in one sitting. It is raw and beautiful and not like many other poetry collections I've read. The added eroticism is what sets these poems apart from others. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loved Milk and Honey and The Princess Saves Herself in This One.