This is Brenda Baker's first collection of poetry, divided into four sections each with a very different feel and theme. It's illustrated throughout, and I think reading this in print would enhance the experience, not only as it seems to have been put together beautifully, but also to allow you to move more easily between sections.

The book begins with 'Silent Echoes', poems of pain and strength, sad and angry, tackling issues such as domestic violence, self-harm, eating disorders and rape. Quite a difficult section to read through, and I admit I didn't always feel I connected with the writing. There were, however, moments of brilliance:
"If only you could see me,
you would see the dark
whispering in my ear.
But the dark is no match for my light
born of the fire raging within."

The second section felt like song lyrics, heavily influenced, I think, by blues and country themes. When the Trees Speak had a focus on the natural world, and I particularly enjoyed the playfulness of the poem about Ruby, a stubborn maple sapling who refuses to shed her leaves in Autumn. And the final sections pulls things together, with thoughts on love and new beginnings.

Although I didn't connect with all of the poems, I did enjoy this collection, and will look look forward to further work by the author.

I actually like the cover of this book more than the majority of the poetry. Most of the time I found the words "trite" and "unoriginal" coming out of my mouth as I read them. However, the final few were noteworthy and left me feeling somewhat redeemed.

Heartfelt, raw and quite remarkable.
If you love poetry, then this is something to read.
Thank you Netgalley for the eARC.