It's been a long while since I last blogged and even longer since I reviewed a book, but I was lucky enough to be sent an ARC of this forthcoming release by friend and fellow writer, Skylar J Wynter.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I received it. I knew it was a collection of flash fiction, short stories and poems centred around themes of life, loss, trauma and actualisation but was completely blown away by how Skylar has effortlessly intertwined these themes in such a challenging yet engaging and accessible way.
The stories and poetry in this collection may not be for the faint-hearted, but what struck me as I read page-after-page was how easy it was to be drawn in by Skylar's beautiful, precise and at times, confronting words. So many had me nodding in recognition, on the verge of tears, or fist-clenching. I found so many utterly relatable, providing a necessary punch in the face as if I needed to hear their messages again.
The book explores death in all its unashamed glory; thinking of dying, wanting to die and coming to terms with loss. The loss theme doesn't stop there, cascading into loss of self and mental health and exploring PTSD and depression. No holds barred. But interspersed are stories of family values and love and the power of choice, providing equilibrium.
It may sound bleak, but in reality it's far from it providing insight and awareness, and in a funny way, hope and knowing that dark experiences are not limited to an unlucky few and can be opened up, examined, understood and shared by those who care to take a deeper look.
The book ends with a message of hope, asking us to embrace our own humanity and be 'real' with one another; a message everybody needs to hear.
I thoroughly recommend reading 'Pieces of Humanity' if only to realise that we are not as disconnected as we believe, and we don't have to be alone. 5 out of 5 stars.
'Pieces of Humanity' will be available on Amazon and other major online booksellers.
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