Title: Poems of Love
Author: Vivian Hall
Publisher: RoseDog Books
ISBN: 978-1-6491-3058-7
Pages: 61
Genre: Poetry
Reviewed by: Alyssa Avina
Pacific Book Review
It is said that love is a language all its own. To know love is to know it is full of passion, can be all consuming, and translates from every continent and every nation on the planet. Love even breaks down the barriers of life and death itself, often following those we lost in life into whatever awaits us beyond this mortal coil, and keeping them tethered to our own lives in the process. Love is not only a powerful emotion, but a powerful form of energy all on its own, and should never been taken for granted.
In author Vivian Hall’s collection of poems, Poems of Love, the poet translates the language of love through a bilingual poetry book. A native of Argentina, the writer translates her poetry from Spanish into English, conveying love in the form of compassion, a joy for the love that life brings us, and the transformative nature of love as a whole.
The author’s words and the emotions they convey are so moving in this read. Although the book is short, the impact is powerful. The really cool way the poet is able to translate each poem into both languages so seamlessly and maintain the emotional beats that each poem contains is just amazing to read and watch unfold. The story is equally enthralling due to the inspiration from famed poet Walt Whitman and the reflection of our time in quarantine during this pandemic within the poems themselves, highlighting the need for love and hope in these dark and trying times.
This is the perfect book for readers who enjoy poetry, especially those who enjoy love poems and poetry which transcends one language and bilingual books. As a fan of the genre, I felt so moved and emotional as the poems went on, and found myself drawn to the poet’s narrative within each set poem. What also was amazing to see was how love translated into so much more than just romance, as it highlighted the bond and love we share with family, with friends, and the people and places that have made a true impact on our lives.
A heartfelt, gripping, and engaging read, author and poet Vivian Hall’s Poems of Love is a must-read collection of poetry. It’s been a roller-coaster of emotions as the reader delves deeper and deeper into the heart of each poem, and the beauty and imagery that each poem channels for the reader is incredible to see. An emotional and lovely journey that translates wonderfully into two languages, this is a book that readers will not want to miss.
