Book Review: In the Shadow of Rainbows by Selma Martin
In anticipation of Selma Martin’s debut poetry collection, I am delighted to share an advanced book review of In The Shadow of Rainbows, a beautiful and moving poetry collection.
Book Description: “In this dazzling debut poetry collection of over 60 carefully selected poems, author Selma Martin points the way to the beauty in the everyday, the shadow of the rainbow, and the silver lining at the edge of every cloud.
Favouring lyrical forms, and revelling in rhymes and musical language, the individual poems in this collection harmonise together in symphonic splendour to form an enlightening and delightful whole.”
In the Shadow of Rainbows Book Review
Selma says of this book, “Are you my mother?’ Each poem will ask.
I’m confident that one poem in this book will take your hand, reunite you with your echo and take you home — found and richer with you-ness for having been seen. That’s what I want one poem to do for you.”
And indeed, each poem roots itself in the reader’s heart with its imagery and profound emotion, seeking to make that personal connection that makes it the one poem. Yet each poem is unique in its message and narrative, imparting anecdotes alongside observations of nature.
Experience the carefully crafted nature of words as delicate and evocative as “The mist parted at last/as did youth’s bitterness/and, though the blush sank fast/remains your soft caress” alongside lines as soulful as “She’s the one who will slide off a full moon/to land gently at your feet like a spark/and retire so you can see stars or fireflies/so you’re never afraid of the dark.”
In the Shadow of Rainbows takes us into the shadows in our lives; it explores lost moments of life alongside tortured emotion, as in “Tears of rage and anger/stain her eyelids maroon/as she rots slow like moldering topsoil.” And if that sounds poignant, it is because it is. Each word reaches down into the reader and lays the foundation for something greater, something deeply personal, something that begins to heal. And as much as this book takes us into the shadows, it also takes us out into the light again and reminds us to look up, to see the “rainbows on my eyelashes” and to step out into the sunshine again.
I greatly enjoyed the narrative arc of this book and its dance through light and shadow. I felt the whisper of dark alongside the prism of rainbow in every other poem and spent time with this collection as I ruminated with the poetry in search of my one poem.
I came to love two poems. The gorgeous imagery and lyrical flow of “You Know Her” stayed with me onward from the one-third point of the book, but “Her Mind” near the beginning of the collection is the poem I kept coming back to.
Her Mind, a poem from In the Shadow of Rainbows by Selma Martin
Heavy with a languor
like the somnolence of noon
uncanny how she lived through the turmoil
Tears of rage and anger
stain her eyelids maroon
as she rots slow like moldering topsoil
In the bluing hour
she rouses to the thunder,
shrilling like a kettle on the boil:
The stale air that blows sour,
sunned asphalt that sickens her–
reality lands and swallows up her spoils.
What a poem! It is neither sad nor happy yet skillfully lingers in between and speaks to Selma’s voice as a poet. How I love the way this poem inspires me to think and to feel. Such is the nature of this collection and its ability to evoke emotion and memories.
I encourage you to enjoy In the Shadow of Rainbows as it weaves its lyrical prose and skillful imagery and invites you to search for your one poem within its pages time and time again.
I recommend In the Shadow of Rainbows to the reader who is not afraid to embrace the personal nature of poignant writing and to all lovers of poetry. It is an empowering and reflective collection to be enjoyed in our most personal moments poem by poem again.
In the Shadow of Rainbows releases July 15th in paperback and you can pre-order the e-book here. Be sure to follow the publisher, Experiments In Fiction for further announcements and news regarding the book, and take a moment to explore Selma’s website for a further taste of her beautiful writing!
Explore my review section for further book reviews.
Karima Hoisan
What a wonderful review you made for Selma’s new book, Layla The poem, you chose to highlight, also captivated me, with its wording, both nuanced and yet vibrant. It clings in the mind and begs to be read again. She is very lucky to have such a sensitive and also eloquent reviewer. Truly, only a poet can review another poet in this very special way, that you have done. I feel your excitement at discovering this collection of unique and beautiful poetry. Congratulations to Selma for the publication of her book and to you Layla for this beautiful review.
Layla Todd
Thank you for taking the time to appreciate this review and Selma’s collection, Karima!
New Release! “In the Shadow of Rainbows” by Selma Martin @SelmaWrites #writingcommunity #readersoftwitter #poetry #poetrycommunity #debut – Author D.L. Finn
[…] “I encourage you to enjoy In the Shadow of Rainbows as it weaves its lyrical prose and skillful imagery and invites you to search for your one poem within its pages time and time again.”— Layla Todd, Nin Chronicles […]
Cheryl, Gulf Coast Poet
A beautiful review, Layla! <3 Selma's book is stellar. I am glad it is doing so well!
AmyRose🌹
Thank you so much, Layla, for sharing with us your review of this fantastic poetry collection. I so appreciate it!! xo
Book Review: In the Shadow of Rainbows by Selma Martin – SHERIFF.DAVID
[…] Book Review: In the Shadow of Rainbows by Selma Martin […]
reliancemcs.com
Very good. Love it.
Molly | Transatlantic Notes
This seems like a really great poetry collection to enjoy; thanks for the review, I will have to check it out!
Layla Todd
Thank you, Molly! 💕
Feeling The Love: Early Reviews of ‘In The Shadow Of Rainbows’ – Selma
[…] “I encourage you to enjoy In the Shadow of Rainbows as it weaves its lyrical prose andskillful imagery and invites you to search for your one poem within its pages time andtime again.”— Layla Todd, Nin Chronicles […]
roughwighting
Beautiful review of a beautiful book filled with poignant and thought-provoking poems. And the photos here are exquisite. xo
Layla Todd
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts! 💕
Dawn Pisturino
Wonderful review!
Resa
It is an amazing poem.
Thank you!
This sounds like a great book of poetry!
Layla Todd
Thank you so much, Resa! It is a lovely collection. 📚
Lisa Orchard
What a powerful poem! Congrats to Selma! Here’s wishing her many sales. 🙂
Anuran & Sayoni
Hey if you are a blog reader here’s the link of our blog. Please read and we would appreciate your feedback
https://earlymorningmemories.wordpress.com/2023/07/11/rain/
Looking forward,
Regards
Sayoni and Anuran
D. Wallace Peach
Congrats to Selma and her new book of poetry. Your review was lovely, Layla, and gave wonderful insights into the book. <3
Layla Todd
Thank you so much, Diana! ❤️
michnavs
What a brilliantly written review Layla…👏👏👏 so love it.
Layla Todd
Thank you, Mich! 🥰
Pooja G
Wow, sounds like a really interesting read. I’m a sucker for poetry books so will definitely check it out!
Layla Todd
Thank you for coming by, Pooja! 💕
Pooja G
Always a pleasure!
Reading from Selma Martin, and further reviews - Experiments in Fiction
[…] “I encourage you to enjoy In the Shadow of Rainbows as it weaves its lyrical prose and skillful imagery and invites you to search for your one poem within its pages time and time again.”— Layla Todd, Nin Chronicles […]
Baydreamer - Lauren Scott
What an enchanting and lovely review, Layla. Congrats to Selma, and I look forward to reading her words in paperback. 🙂 ❤️
SelmaMartin
Lauren, you are a blessing to me —have been from the start. Thanks for enhancing my experience traveling this road you’ve traveled a few times already.
((Selma is reaching the point of exhaustion—ssssh don’t tell anyone)) so having friends like you to fall back on is a dreamy blessing. Thank you. I will be there for you in the capacity you need me to be when you’re ready. Xoxo
I’m grateful for Layla’s lovely review. 😘
Baydreamer - Lauren Scott
You should bask in the loveliness of Layla’s stunning review, Selma. I can’t wait to read your book! ❤️⭐️
SelmaMartin
💗
Layla Todd
Thank you, Lauren! The paperback should be amazing. 💕
Time Management Is Not A Waste Of Time – Selma
[…] Book Review: In the Shadow of Rainbows by Selma Martin Nin ChroniclesMay the Words Flow […]
Ingrid
A fabulous and well-deserved review, Layla, thank you! 🙏😊
SelmaMartin
Half of this is YOU, lady. Thanks for what you say and do. I bless you. Thanks, Layla. A blessing.
Layla Todd
Thank you for what you have done to make this book possible, Ingrid! 🥰
Ingrid
It has been my pleasure, Layla!
Cindy Georgakas
A beautiful tribute dear Layla! ❤️
SelmaMartin
Yes, indeed. One needs to come with goodness inside already to see all the things Layla saw. I am beyond happy. Thanks so dearly, Layla. I bless you. xoxo Thanks for playing the drums for me, dear Cindy. I bless you. xoxo
Cindy Georgakas
she had a full orchestra and you are a great conductor dear Selma❣️
Keep Calm & Drink Coffee
The shadow of our lives… what a complicated subject… I think that is magic to transform it into poetry.
SelmaMartin
Thanks so much for giving this review a read and a comment, dear KC&DC, I bless you.
Keep Calm & Drink Coffee
Thanks to you and have a nice day!
Layla Todd
Thank you for these thoughts, Claudia! 💕
Belladonna
What a great review Layla! Selma is going to be so happy 😀
SelmaMartin
Happy–sooooo happy. Thanks, Belladonna. I bless you for everything. xoxo
Daphny Aqua
Such a beautiful review, you did her book justice. ❤❤
Melissa
This sound like such a beautiful book! I loved reading your review and your interpretations of the poems. I will definitely be checking it out when it’s released! Thanks for sharing!
SelmaMartin
Melissa. I am beyond happy to read this review. I hope you come to the book and see the things lovely Layla saw. Thanks for your interest in the poetry book. A first time author needs all the help she can get. So, thanks, beforehand. I bless you, Melissa. xoxo And wish you miracles.
Layla Todd
Thank you for sharing these thoughts, Melissa! 💕
SelmaMartin
Thanks for saying that, dear Daphny. So happy about this lovely review. Blessings to you and your country. xoxo
Daphny Aqua
Thank you Selma, I’ll be putting up my review very soon as well. xoxo
SelmaMartin
Precious. So precious of you. I can begin to imagine what will happen on Amazon already on launch day. Thanks so kindly. Blessing you. XoXo
Daphny Aqua
I’m sure it would be a big hit dearest Selma. xoxo
Layla Todd
Thank you, Daphny. It is a lovely collection!
Jacqui Murray
A lot of powerful lines there.
SelmaMartin
It’s a lovely review indeed. Very powerful. Thanks, Jacqui Murray. Thanks for reading and commenting. I bless you. xoxo and wish you miracles.
Kym Gordon Moore
Oh wow Layla, I simply love how you painted such a heartwarming review of Selma’s book. I am currently going through the ARC and am savoring the journey! I know Selma will be head over heels in love with your review. 😍🙏🏼🥰
SelmaMartin
head over heels, indeed. One needs to already come with “Intel Inside” like the kind Layla brings to see what she saw. Layla is another rare gem (like you) in this loving community. What loveliness she gifted me. I cannot stop crying with joy. Thanks, Miss Kym. I bless you. Stay sweet.
Kym Gordon Moore
Oh my dear Selma, it is a pleasure to read the wonderful and authentic things people have already written about your book. I will make my post next week ladybug! You are on a roll for sure! Bask in your triumphs! 😍💖🤗✨😎 Peace & Blessings my dear! 🙏🏼
Layla Todd
Delighted to know you’re reading this lovely collection as well, Kym. I look forward to your thoughts! 🥰
Kym Gordon Moore
Thanks so much Layla. You have no idea the backlog of books I am trying to get through girl. So many wonderful publications and it seems like so little time! LOL 🤣😜😂 But I will get there! Cheers! 🥂
Layla Todd
Happy reading! I feel ya; I’ve still got a couple books I’m supposed to be getting to.
Kym Gordon Moore
It can pile up can’t it Layla? LOL Happy reading to you too! 🥰📚🤗
SelmaMartin
Oh my God, oh my God! What loveliness. So beautiful what you say about that book. 😢 😢 😢. Oh my God!
Layla Todd
It is truly my delight, Selma! I feel so honored to have read your collection early and am delighted to be able to share my thoughts with my readers.
SelmaMartin
You’re the best. And your words resonate every time. I bless you. XoXo