Title: We Will Never Forget
Author: Gennie de Lange
Publisher: XlibrisNZ
ASIN: B0CGLTL9YH
Pages: 111
Genre: Poetry
Reviewed by: Anthony Avina
Pacific Book Review
The horrors of war are often talked about amongst survivors, soldiers, and politicians. The realities of war, as well as the cost both financially and emotionally, are part of the social fabric of our society. For as the old saying goes, war never changes, and it is up to us to find the means of coping with the realities of war and the impact it has on our personal and social lives.
For some people, that means diving into their passions and using creativity to confront the painful moments associated with war. This includes poetry and art, two sides of the same coin, which allows the writer and artist both to express their emotions throughout their life, including the harrowing experiences of war.
That is the concept explored in author Gennie de Lange We Will Never Forget, the collection of poetry exploring the observations made during war. Taken from the perspective of “The Observer,” a child’s toy given witness to the shocking realities war brings, the author and poet give readers a glimpse not only into the shocking moments war has to offer, but the glimmers of hope and survival which make up the human condition.
In terms of creativity, the author excelled in this direction wholeheartedly. The use of the child’s toy as “The Observer” not only allowed the imagery to have much more of an impact on the collection of poems, but made each poem feel like a connected story, as if experiencing the memories of war the author was touching upon throughout his work as it occurred. The stark innocence a child’s toy conjures in the reader’s mind also plays well throughout this book, allowing the reader to truly feel the impact the senseless violence and bloodshed has on both soldiers and civilians caught in the crossfire.
The book will truly resonate with those who have been impacted by war and its reality. The book will also speak to ordinary people, who have had to step up in times of crisis and stress, and have had to face the horrors of war unintentionally. The strength and resiliency these ordinary people showcased in these most troubling times were beautifully reflected in the author’s contemplative musings in both the poetry and the artwork on display.
Filled with heart, compassion, and realism, author Gennie de Lange We Will Never Forget is a stunning poetry collection you won’t be able to put down.
