This Review contains spoilers.
“Loneliness is a sign you are in desperate need of yourself.”
Published: 2014, by CreateSpace
Pages: 204
Format: Paperback
Genre: Poetry, Feminism, Nonfiction, Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Mental Health
Contains: Rape, Mental Illness, Trauma, Sexual Content
Milk and Honey is a poetry and prose anthology revolving around the theme of survival, being split into four consecutive sections which deal with a separate period of Rupi Kaur’s life. However, heartbreak seems to be the centre theme of the collection, being discussed on numerous occasions with clever techniques to make each piece their own.
The first book like this I’ve read is The Princess Saves Herself in this One, however, Milk and Honey is much more complex; not by topics, there is a few similarities, but with language and techniques used. The way Rupi Kaur presents each piece with its own metaphor or complex language proves how much of a talented writer she is, and I adored her writing from start to finish. Everything she writes is intensely personal, and feels as if she’s simply laid her soul for all to read, which is such an inspiring thing to read as an aspiring writer, and compelling as a reader. Each piece moved me, as although, some can be seen as simple, the raw honesty throughout proves that it’s not a book to be analysed; simply read and understood.
The four sections; ‘the hurting’, ‘the loving’, ‘the breaking, and ‘the healing’, are said to deal with a different pain, and heal a different heartbreak, which is beautifully put and clear whilst reading. My personal favourite chapter is ‘the healing’, which is somewhat lighter to read in comparison to the others, dealing with abuse and feminism in a positive way by reflecting and moving forward. The chapter speaks of coping with personal pains and overcoming obstacles in an inspiring way, managing to prove that it’s possible to think positively about difficult scenarios. The constant mention of self-love throughout the chapter is beautiful, and shown as a constant reminder until the end.
I adore this little book, and recommend everyone to read it.
5/5
A Little Fool Reads 