When your parents call you Beauty, the search for the inner value of your name can be quite challenging. And the mirror may not help, even if you break it − by mistake. It always comes back to throw perfection in your face. So, how do you deal with a spirit that yearns for growth and feels unabashedly constrained? Do you destroy the mold?
I was familiar with Natasha Guy's poetry before reading her first collection. Guy is a talented writer whose mastery of the English language is truly enjoyable. And with "Beautiful Fixation," she leaves the safe haven of loose pieces regrouped together − a staple in modern poetry − to offer a story that unfolds with scalpel-like accuracy and increasingly uncomfortable intensity.
The book is not only brilliant, but it is also mind shattering in its insane honesty. Guy uses the poetic language to encapsulate the inner workings of a mind that challenges the status quo − something quite unusual nowadays. As such, "Beautiful Fixation" is a disturbing story of universal magnitude.
Outer beauty fades and is only skin deep.
It is the inner beauty that we must strive to keep.
Don’t waste our time painting the skin
The real beauty is housed within. − "Beautiful Fixation" (p.55)
Rarely have I read a contemporary work of fiction whose message literally forces me to question my own reflection in the mirror as well as the choices I have made in my life. I believe that anyone who comes in contact with the book will feel the same way.
Five stars!
"Beautiful Fixation" is available for purchase at Lulu.
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Cendrine Marrouat is a freelance writer/reviewer, blogger, published author and translator living in Canada. Official Website: http://www.cendrinemarrouat.com
Comments
I completely agree, I was (one of) the FIRST people to purchase the book and without being familiar with Natasha's work I didnt know what to expect. I must say I was very pleasantly surprised at how well written the book was and although complex in its message, it was surprisingly easy to follow... I would also give this collection 5 stars.
Hello Eboni,
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