Review of Phone Calls: Love and Money

[Anaïs Quesson]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Phone Calls: Love and Money" by Bela Feketekuty.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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Phone Calls: Love and Money is a free-verse romance poem written by Bela Feketekuty. It tells the story of Bill and Jane, two engineers in their late twenties. She works for a drug company and makes thousands, whereas he’s self-employed and develops mobile apps. Bill struggles to make ends meet. He lives in a small apartment, while Jane owns a two-bedroom condo. They couldn’t be more different, yet they get along well together.

This poem was interesting. I did not expect the author to flesh out such realistic characters in eight pages. Yet, the reader dives straight into their relationship: how they met and their multiple trips together. Despite appearances, money doesn’t seem to be a problem for Jane. She doesn’t mind paying for more expensive and luxurious hotels that Bill can’t afford. It was enjoyable to see these gender roles reversed without any problems.
It depicts a love story as well as you could tell it in eight pages, from its beginning to its end. I did not expect the open ending. It leaves me wondering why this relationship would end like this when everything worked well between them. Is it Abby’s fault? What happened during that weekend? We will never know, and this is the beauty of this poem.
Phone Calls: Love and Money has been exceptionally well-edited. There isn't any error. Congratulations on the flawless editing work.

The only thing I disliked about this poem was the matter-of-fact tone. It is told from Bill’s point of view using a first-person narration. The author had all the keys to describe the character’s feelings. However, the narration was flat and almost emotionless, even at the end. I don’t mind the lack of descriptions: you can’t condense a full book into an eight-page poem. But emotions are key in storytelling. I wish this poem made me feel more emotions. I’m kind of disappointed.

In the end, I rate Phone Calls: Love and Money 4 out of 5 stars (80%).
I deducted a few points from my rating because of the negatives mentioned in my review.
This is just my opinion. This poem is objectively well-written. Anyone who enjoys free-verse poetry will undoubtedly love it.

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Phone Calls: Love and Money
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Gerry Steen]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Phone Calls: Love and Money" by Bela Feketekuty.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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Share This Review

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Phone Calls: Love and Money is a free-verse romance poem written by Bela Feketekuty. It tells the story of Bill and Jane, two engineers in their late twenties. She works for a drug company and makes thousands, whereas he’s self-employed and develops mobile apps. Bill struggles to make ends meet. He lives in a small apartment, while Jane owns a two-bedroom condo. They couldn’t be more different, yet they get along well together.

This poem was interesting. I did not expect the author to flesh out such realistic characters in eight pages. Yet, the reader dives straight into their relationship: how they met and their multiple trips together. Despite appearances, money doesn’t seem to be a problem for Jane. She doesn’t mind paying for more expensive and luxurious hotels that Bill can’t afford. It was enjoyable to see these gender roles reversed without any problems.
It depicts a love story as well as you could tell it in eight pages, from its beginning to its end. I did not expect the open ending. It leaves me wondering why this relationship would end like this when everything worked well between them. Is it Abby’s fault? What happened during that weekend? We will never know, and this is the beauty of this poem.
Phone Calls: Love and Money has been exceptionally well-edited. There isn't any error. Congratulations on the flawless editing work.

The only thing I disliked about this poem was the matter-of-fact tone. It is told from Bill’s point of view using a first-person narration. The author had all the keys to describe the character’s feelings. However, the narration was flat and almost emotionless, even at the end. I don’t mind the lack of descriptions: you can’t condense a full book into an eight-page poem. But emotions are key in storytelling. I wish this poem made me feel more emotions. I’m kind of disappointed.

In the end, I rate Phone Calls: Love and Money 4 out of 5 stars (80%).
I deducted a few points from my rating because of the negatives mentioned in my review.
This is just my opinion. This poem is objectively well-written. Anyone who enjoys free-verse poetry will undoubtedly love it.

******
Phone Calls: Love and Money
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

I enjoy reading poetry. So much imagery in such small space. It sounds like these two characters, Bill and Jane, had a nice fling together. I appreciate the gender role reversal. Men should not feel threatened or undervalued by the reality that the woman they are enjoying a relationship with is more financially secure. I could see myself experiencing my own emotions as I read the poem. You review was enlightening and honest. Thank you.

[Anaïs Quesson]

I enjoy reading poetry. So much imagery in such small space. It sounds like these two characters, Bill and Jane, had a nice fling together. I appreciate the gender role reversal. Men should not feel threatened or undervalued by the reality that the woman they are enjoying a relationship with is more financially secure. I could see myself experiencing my own emotions as I read the poem. You review was enlightening and honest. Thank you.

If you usually enjoy poetry, I'm sure you will enjoy reading this story. Thank you for leaving a z, I appreciate it!

[Anaïs Quesson]

Leaving a comment* whoops

[Stephen Christopher 1]

I'm not a poetry lover, in fact it's the only subject at college that I failed. But, if it's only 8 pages, I might be able to last this one. I do agree that emotions are relevant so I wonder why the author chose to write it so flatly. I'm going to give this one a read,

[Anaïs Quesson]

I'm not a poetry lover, in fact it's the only subject at college that I failed. But, if it's only 8 pages, I might be able to last this one. I do agree that emotions are relevant so I wonder why the author chose to write it so flatly. I'm going to give this one a read,

I'd say this poem is very accessible. Indeed, since it is written in free-verse, it doesn't contain any rhymes; I find it easier to understand than poems with elaborate rhymes and stylistic devices.
I'm curious to read your review if you end up reading it!
Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment, Stephen

[Sarah Zain]

I recently read the book and I can say that I agree with you. I felt that something was missing. You did a good job of expressing the book. Great review.

[Terry Kimble]

I don't usually choose to read poetry, but I am very curious how an 8-paged romantic themed poem is structured (and why Bill would be struggling financially as a mobile app developer? haha), and what the poem has to do with phone calls? Thank you for your informative review. My interest is piqued--I will keep an eye out for this one.

[Julie Marie Basil]

I generally enjoy reading poetry and your review leaves me intrigued about this book. Thank you for your honest and well-written review!

[Stephen Christopher 1]

I'd say this poem is very accessible. Indeed, since it is written in free-verse, it doesn't contain any rhymes; I find it easier to understand than poems with elaborate rhymes and stylistic devices.
I'm curious to read your review if you end up reading it!
Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment, Stephen

Ok I like the sound of this more and more then. I'll let you know if I have the opportunity to review it.

[Anaïs Quesson]

I recently read the book and I can say that I agree with you. I felt that something was missing. You did a good job of expressing the book. Great review.

Thank you for your comment, Sarah! I need to check out your own review then, I'm interested to read your thoughts

[Anaïs Quesson]

I don't usually choose to read poetry, but I am very curious how an 8-paged romantic themed poem is structured (and why Bill would be struggling financially as a mobile app developer? haha), and what the poem has to do with phone calls? Thank you for your informative review. My interest is piqued--I will keep an eye out for this one.

Thank you for the comment, Terry! I hope you will enjoy this light read

[Qwerty Writes]

I love poetry but didn't know it could be used to tell an impactful story like this. It reminds me of Sir Edgar Allen Poe's short story 'The Tell a Tale Heart', only it was more alive and full of emotion. It might be a quick cool read for you and even put a smile on your face. I enjoyed the review and thought that you hit all the main points. It's sad that after everything they weren't together and also that there was no emotions that could be felt. As a poet myself, I know I can't let that slide.

[Anu Anand]

I don’t usually understand poems (they tend to fly over my head, to be honest! ). But your review has me curious, especially with the whole romance from a guy’s perspective in just 8 pages. That’s different! Now I feel like I have to read it and figure it out. Your review was super helpful, thanks!

[Chinedu Umeobika]

I really love poetry, although I haven't had much time to write myself, especially since I like to base my work on my feelings or current situations. This book sounds intriguing, particularly with its narrative: Jane is wealthier than her romantic partner Bill, who struggles to make ends meet. I'm also curious about the ending and why you found the poem emotionless. I might consider giving this a try! Outstanding review, by the way! It's simple yet packed with quality.