Another poetry obsession brought to me by Querencia press!! Voices of the sea by Patricia feinman is a work of art. It’s short but it packs a punch. I will say that those who like lighthearted poems might not vibe with this, as it comes off as quite dark, but for those into more darker poetry, this is great!!

To be honest, I focused on the poetry and not that much the art because I couldn't see the connection. The poetry is a bit messy but I can se the point in that. Recommend! Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the chance to read this book.

This is a short, interesting work of narrative poetry accompanied with evocative illustrations. It follows a group of people who wash up on a shore, only to be haunted by mysterious voices. Overall, it is easy to read and engaging, though sometimes the illustrations don't seem to entirely embody what's happening in the poem.

I do feel bad because art and poetry are extremely subjective and also quite personal, so I feel bad saying I did not enjoy this short volume of poetry mixed with art, but I just didn't.

I liked the dreamlike tone of the poetry but other than the rhythm of the waves , which was a fun idea, and its lyricality, I did not feel like it transmitted anything to me. It could be me, but I wanted more. There was too much repetition and not enough substance maybe?

I couldn't see the art and the poetry together. They had different vibes - again, maybe it's just me. They didn't flow together and that took me out from enjoying either of them.

“And we dream we are standing on the shore
We dream that the wind caress us,
We dream that the sun is shining on us
That we can see the sky.”

Voice of the Sea was a disconcerting book. I like books that mix different kinds of arts, but I like when everything is some kind of related, weaving a web that glues the whole together. It’s not what I felt here. Maybe another reader would, because poetry is such a subjective thing. But when it comes to my own experience of the book, it felt like the arts and the poems had no connections, which made me disconnect from the work too. Some poems were beautiful, some arts were too, but things didn’t quite match. Probably another reader will have another experience, because it’s so related to how we welcome the words, but unfortunately, it wasn’t for me.

I received a free copy of this book from its author. I leave this review voluntarily and my opinions are my own.

Review by Erica Jones @ Climb the Stacks Blog

Voices of the Sea by Patricia Feinman
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Voices of the Sea is a small collection of drawings with poetry that is compatible with the art. The drawings are extremely detailed with anguish and dark themes and conveys what connections the poems bring. Beautifully crafted and profound with a contemporary feel. I can only imagine how much time was spent putting it all together. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates art!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thank you to NetGalley and Querancia press for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Voices of the sea is a short and mildly unique and interesting blend of art and poetry.

Both art and poetry is highly subjective and I truly believe that most people will find something in either element to enjoy in most books like this.

Take either element on its own, make these purely an art book of dark and disturbing images; or make this purely a poetry collection with it's prose and this could have been a good book.

However, the art and the poetry did not mesh together in my opinion and it wasn't coherent.

Check it out if either element interests you but this was not for me

I enjoy both art and poetry and expected to enjoy Voices of the Sea because it's a combination of both. I found the drawings dark and disturbing, and they do not seem to mesh with the poem.

Both art and poetry are highly subjective genres so if the book interests you, by all means, check it out. This just wasn't my cup of tea.

My thanks to Q for allowing me to read a DRC of this book via NetGalley. Publication is 12/20/24. All opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own and are freely given.

This was a very interesting collection, because it consists of illustrations as well as moving poetry. It's a must read if you have a keen eye for art and poetry

Wow! I'm really impressed by this book that blends art and poetry. As someone who loves poetry and is just starting out as a poet, I really connected with this book. Feinman is really skilled at combining images and words in a way that makes you think about your own experiences. The way he mixes fantasy and reality creates an emotional landscape where loss and longing are both portrayed and felt deeply. Feinman's rhythmic blending of carefully chosen words takes us on a journey where thoughts, memories, and dreams flow together, reflecting the universal human search for meaning. Feinman did a great job of conveying so much emotion in just 45 pages.

*Voices of the Sea* by Pat Feinman is a mesmerizing tone poem that weaves together haunting imagery and poignant prose. The juxtaposition of dream and reality creates an emotional landscape where loss and longing are both beautifully illustrated and deeply felt. As the narrative unfolds, the world transforms—an ordinary stairway becomes an improbable, strange place, drawing the reader into a dense, profound world. Feinman’s rhythmic blend of art and words immerses us in a dreamlike journey where thoughts, memories, and dreams flow together, reflecting the universal human search for meaning. The complexity of this ethereal story only deepens with each reading, making it an experience that lingers and invites return.

Voices of the Sea is an interesting combination of art and poetry. While I found myself moved by some of the art and poetry on its own, they didn't always seem to mesh very well together. Especially at the beginning the darker art didn't quite match the dreamlike tone of the poem.

However since the enjoyment of poetry and art is so personal, and there are many layers we filter these through in our mind, it wouldn't hurt to give this quick read a try. Especially if you enjoy art that is a little more out there.

The cover of this book and the title immediately got my attention. Unfortunately, the words just didn't connect with me. However, the artwork is great.

tbh lo que mas me gustó fueron las imagenes, los poemas eran demasiado reiterativos y no aportaron casi nada. No tenia coherencia texto-imagen.

I was intrigued by the title of this book, as I love all things nautical-centric. I thought all of the art was beautiful while also adding to the overall feeling of despair. Very moving in its brief 45 pages.