Reviews

Sonnets from the Portuguese by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

anisha_inkspill's review against another edition

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4.0

Having read just a little bit more about Elizabeth Barrett Browning, I returned to this one again.

It’s interesting how this poem works as one unit but is made up of 44 love sonnets. I imagine writing one is difficult but 44, and they’re a sequence.

The last time I read this was five years ago, so it was good to read this again.

Written in 1846, it’s still easy to empathise with the speaker’s doubt and hesitation that they deserve love. In the final steps (the last few sonnets), where the speaker is ready to accept that they can be loved, it’s hard not to cheer.

And just reading sonnet 43 again, absolutely beautiful and takes my breath away.


jakestillwell's review against another edition

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5.0

Some of the most distinctly romantic poetry there is, composed by one of the most distinct romantic poets there was.

beckykeister's review against another edition

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5.0

Beautiful. And absolutely speaks to my soul. That is all.

corporal_bookish's review against another edition

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4.0

An overall amazing compilation of sonnets which link together in such a seamless yet subtle continuous flow. Barrett Browning has created an unforgettable persona through these 44 poems addressed to Robert Browning. I'm studying these poems for my English Literature class, and it's truly wonderful to learn how to actually APPRECIATE a poet's craft and the hard work and effort and deliberate actions they put into each and every word.

wisteriaearl's review

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emotional reflective relaxing medium-paced

4.0

novelesque_life's review against another edition

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5.0

5 STARS

"One of the most popular women poets of the Victorian era remains one of our most popular poets today. Included in this lovely volume is the complete Sonnets From the Portuguese as well as sections from Casa Guidi Windows and Aurora Lee"

Hands down my favourite poet and love her poems. They are my go to when I need to calm my anxiety.

szmnsk_'s review against another edition

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5.0

wow

payshens117's review against another edition

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4.0

"Instruct thine eyes to keep their colors true
And tell thy soul, their roots are left in mine"

randomgirlmia's review against another edition

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4.0

How do Ilove thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints I love thee with the breath, Smiles, tears, of all my life! and, if God choose, I shall but love thee better after death.

linora's review against another edition

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reflective

4.0