Review of The Shape Of Darkness/The Shadow Of Death

[Maduabuchi Okwiya N Eze]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Shape Of Darkness/The Shadow Of Death" by Jon Trovato.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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The Shape of Darkness The Shadow of Death: Poems is a poetry collection written by Jon Trovato. The book is divided into four sections: Damages, Diminishings, Determinations, and Destinies. The poems in each section have certain underlying themes, but overall they are a reflection of the author's experiences and opinions on war, leadership failures and the consequent risk of its institutions' collapse, and other personal and societal issues.

I connected with most of the poems. Some of them offer tips for personal healing and rediscovery, while others advocate for reformation in government institutions. While reading the poem titled "No Matter the Cost", I felt Trovato was speaking directly to me. I am in a very fragile state, and I was grateful he agreed that, for my good, I needed something I could tenaciously hold on to no matter how things continue to turn out. The poems titled "Trash", "Tearing," "The Best Reminder," and "Right Here," among others, capture the pathetic situation of a failing society and highlight what the citizens need to do whenever they are ready to build a system that works.

Some poems contain philosophical elements, and some question certain opinionated views in society. For example, in the poem titled "The Refusal" (page 27), Trovato appears to support what I would call the "absolute conviction of each human person," and he goes on to question why society tags such refusal (absolute conviction) as reckless denial rather than a heroic act. There are also poems that highlight the author's challenges in life, his views on the topic of fate (predestination), and the power of healthy friendships and a positive environment, among others.

I am rating this book five out of five stars for its rich thematic preoccupations and simple, engaging discourses. There is no complaint to mention about this book, so I have no reason to rate it lower. This literary piece was thoroughly edited and free of grammatical errors. I did have a great time reading this book, and I look forward to reading more books from this author.

If you are a fan of well-written poetry collections, this is another great option to consider, as is anyone interested in reading a literary piece that not only addresses real personal and societal issues but also provides a way forward to solving those problems.

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The Shape Of Darkness/The Shadow Of Death
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[Stephen Pokoo]

I have read and digested your review. Yours is straightforward and easy to read. It offers a practical assessment of the book's qualities, making it accessible to anyone curious about this book. Your review is a helpful resource for potential readers. Well done!

[Miracle Oge Adaeze]

"Some poems contain philosophical elements, and some question certain opinionated views in society." I agree that poets are allowed to flow in their elements. However, I doubt I'd be able to connect with a philosophical and opinionated collection of poems. Thanks for the review.

[Marina Flisvou]

Your detailed analysis and heartfelt commentary provide valuable insights into the book's themes, poems, and overall impact. It's clear that you had a deep and meaningful connection with many of the poems in the collection, and your personal reflections on how they resonated with you add a layer of authenticity to your review. Thank you for recommending this poetry collection to readers who appreciate well-written poems that address real-life issues and provide solutions. Your review will undoubtedly help others discover and appreciate the work of Jon Trovato.

[Esaf Elmoughazi]

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