This is probably my first time listening to a poetry audiobook and I must say I'm in shock at how beautifully made this is. Each poem feels like a part of the poet's soul being shared with the readers. And the narrator's voice makes it even better, such a soothing and calming voice to listen to.

(Please make sure to look up the trigger warnings provided by the author before reading!)

This poignant poetry collection finds words to express the darkest of feelings one might experience - it's heartwrenchingly lyrical yet merciless at times. Death as a Lover, Life as Abuser, Parents as one's greatest Fear, Love the one unattainable Thing. I had the pleasure to listen to When the Dark Spoke to Me in audio format, recited by the poet, the way poems are intended to be performed. When a line of poetry makes you want to write down your own little verses, that's when you know it does something to you, and that happened to me several times during this performance. Bitter, but sweet.

this was phenomenal. the author/narrator portrayed the act of coming to terms with your abuser and their actions while also keeping the ambiguity of the situation to allow for all audiences to relate to the poetry.

A beautiful rendition of poetry focusing on topics like heartache, death and dysfunctional families.

Tw: for topics with suicidal ideation and death.

If you do read this book, please take caution.

Marbun implements a beautiful yet morbid tone through the characterisation of a young character who is contemplating their life before their suicide.

Each chapter plays a part to the stages and goodbyes the character takes heed in before their taking their own life and joining with death. Death in a way Is metaphorically idealised as good and kind and as a way of freeing oneself from the pain of hardship of life. On the flip side the author does discuss the intricacies and happy moments that life can offer to individuals and it holds out as a hope for living life to its truest potential.

I really enjoyed this piece of poetry. The cover is beautiful and I would highly recommend to give this short story a try.

I loved that the audio was narrated by the author. This dealt with some heavy topics but was done so well. There was so much emotion in these poems. From beginning to end there was a process of feelings. I could feel them with the author. I cannot wait to read more from this author. Thank you to Netgalley for this audio ARC in exchange for my honest review.

"Stories, they end all the time right? The end"

This book deals with really heavy topics, but does this in a beautiful way. Definitely check tw. Writing style is very good, couldn't stop listening. 4/5⭐

"So tell me, how does one unalign the stars?"

Thank you NetGalley for providing digital advanced copy in exchange for honest review.