Poemsia by Lang Leav
Her second novel since Sad Girls, I have to say that Lang Leav did it again with this one and a little differently I might say. Yes, I am a fan of her work and often resonated with it especially Strangers at Sea (still my personal favourite thus far). Here's my take on Poemsia of which I'd rate 4/5.
A story about a 19 year-old who has talent for writing poetry but never the courage to post them on Instagram. Yet her dreams of being a poet never felt stronger than ever. Those who read it would be able to relate since we are living in a time where anyone can be instant poets, with so many platform available today.
Does anyone else feel like the name of the main character, Verity Wolf sounds like poetry too?
As I read page by page, it felt as though Lang Leav wrote it about her journey in becoming a renowned poet herself, her overnight fame and all the things she experienced into this 19 year-old persona. With the title of the book 'Poemsia', the anticipations builds up as I grew curious to find out what it (the title) meant. Nevertheless, it was enough to keep my eyes glued for three hours as I follow Verity's journey in discovering love and the act of doing things to make your dreams come true.
The revolving theme in this story is simply love of any kind - be it family (grandparents), friends (Jess, a real gem), significant other/first love (it is cute how Sash is short for Sebastian) and other characters Verity interact with along her journey. Other themes covered are friendship and betrayal which are necessary for Verity's character development throughout the story.
Saraa's Afterthoughts
This is a story for those who needed a 'push' or that inspiration to start working towards that dream and turn in into reality. Even when you have been second guessing yourself, know that there are always people who believed in you - like Verity's grandfather, Jess and later Sash. The constant benchmark and comparison will always be there and that shouldn't stop you from doing what you love.
Written at a time where 'overnight fame' happens so often, this story gives insights on what happens 'behind the scenes' of all the fame and fortune and perhaps some truths that you don't see on Instagram feed. At the same time, I could feel how helpless Verity felt when she was pulled away from Jess to ride on the wave to fame. When all you see are the blinding lights, it's easy to lose sight of what is truly important in your life. If Superman has a weakness, what more us as humans?
Another thing I really love about the plot is how Verity used the royalty she earned through her books to help lift others up (her grandfather of the bookstore, Jonesy of his cafe and discovering Sash's other talent) and in the process transformed the bookstore into a sustainable business. This was also a part where you see characters bond over new friendship - a happy ending for a modern fairytale.
That ending was what I added in my bucketlist, to visit and explore at least one of such bookstores during my next travel. Even as we transition into ebooks and making everything digital, I do believe it is important to keep these businesses alive to remind us of how far we've come.
If film cameras are coming back, I'm sure that there will be a time for vintage bookstores.
[spoilers - my personal thoughts on the title]
So I just did a Google search and found out that Poemsia is a in word in Italian, Catalan, Occitan and Portuguese meaning "poetry". Given that Verity resides in Sydney, Australia, it doesn't make much sense to me. Personally, I'd like to think that 'Poemsia' signifies a new beginning or ending depending on how you view the story. It was this very poem that made Verity famous yet the same one that shatters her fame in seconds. I guess this was what it takes to realize what is truly important.
“Then I thought about the poem from Poemsia, and all at once I understood what the poet meant when she wrote about the certainty of endings-how each goodbye had its own destiny to fulfill.”....”Poemsia is about coming to the end of the book and not wanting to say goodbye to your favourite characters. The struggle of parting ways, real and imaginary.
To wrap it up, I'll end it with (more than one) favourite lines from the book. It was a tough decision but here are my top three.
The (harsh) truth that we can never satisfy everyone. The key is to keep going and doing it for yourself.
The feeling of loss will always change a person, inevitably. I'd like to remember that those who have left us are never gone. There is always a piece of them in our hearts, for as long as we remember them.
The last of the quote hits home, and it will be something I will keep close to my heart.
P.S
First of the #saraareviews post and this is literally the fastest review I've ever done because I finished the book in three hours! Maybe it's because I had coffee today (after 2 weeks not having any) to keep me awake.
Love, Sara
 |
| Image credits to the official website. |
Does anyone else feel like the name of the main character, Verity Wolf sounds like poetry too?
As I read page by page, it felt as though Lang Leav wrote it about her journey in becoming a renowned poet herself, her overnight fame and all the things she experienced into this 19 year-old persona. With the title of the book 'Poemsia', the anticipations builds up as I grew curious to find out what it (the title) meant. Nevertheless, it was enough to keep my eyes glued for three hours as I follow Verity's journey in discovering love and the act of doing things to make your dreams come true.
The revolving theme in this story is simply love of any kind - be it family (grandparents), friends (Jess, a real gem), significant other/first love (it is cute how Sash is short for Sebastian) and other characters Verity interact with along her journey. Other themes covered are friendship and betrayal which are necessary for Verity's character development throughout the story.
Saraa's Afterthoughts
This is a story for those who needed a 'push' or that inspiration to start working towards that dream and turn in into reality. Even when you have been second guessing yourself, know that there are always people who believed in you - like Verity's grandfather, Jess and later Sash. The constant benchmark and comparison will always be there and that shouldn't stop you from doing what you love.
Written at a time where 'overnight fame' happens so often, this story gives insights on what happens 'behind the scenes' of all the fame and fortune and perhaps some truths that you don't see on Instagram feed. At the same time, I could feel how helpless Verity felt when she was pulled away from Jess to ride on the wave to fame. When all you see are the blinding lights, it's easy to lose sight of what is truly important in your life. If Superman has a weakness, what more us as humans?
Another thing I really love about the plot is how Verity used the royalty she earned through her books to help lift others up (her grandfather of the bookstore, Jonesy of his cafe and discovering Sash's other talent) and in the process transformed the bookstore into a sustainable business. This was also a part where you see characters bond over new friendship - a happy ending for a modern fairytale.
That ending was what I added in my bucketlist, to visit and explore at least one of such bookstores during my next travel. Even as we transition into ebooks and making everything digital, I do believe it is important to keep these businesses alive to remind us of how far we've come.
If film cameras are coming back, I'm sure that there will be a time for vintage bookstores.
[spoilers - my personal thoughts on the title]
So I just did a Google search and found out that Poemsia is a in word in Italian, Catalan, Occitan and Portuguese meaning "poetry". Given that Verity resides in Sydney, Australia, it doesn't make much sense to me. Personally, I'd like to think that 'Poemsia' signifies a new beginning or ending depending on how you view the story. It was this very poem that made Verity famous yet the same one that shatters her fame in seconds. I guess this was what it takes to realize what is truly important.
“Then I thought about the poem from Poemsia, and all at once I understood what the poet meant when she wrote about the certainty of endings-how each goodbye had its own destiny to fulfill.”....”Poemsia is about coming to the end of the book and not wanting to say goodbye to your favourite characters. The struggle of parting ways, real and imaginary.
To wrap it up, I'll end it with (more than one) favourite lines from the book. It was a tough decision but here are my top three.
-------------------------------------------------
#1
“It’s such a shame, isn’t it? People put so much time and energy into tearing others down. It seems pointless to me.”
“Sometimes when it’s happening, you can lose perspective. The truth is it’s never as bad as you think. Picture a stream of rushing water. That’s the people who adore you. The haters are the little fish trying to swim against the stream.”
-------------------------------------------------
#2
"I so wish I could remember her better."
"I know, sweetheart. Sometimes my memories get a little fuzzy, too, but then all I have to do is look at you." He cupped my face in his hands. "And it's like she's here again."
The feeling of loss will always change a person, inevitably. I'd like to remember that those who have left us are never gone. There is always a piece of them in our hearts, for as long as we remember them.
-------------------------------------------------
#3
Whatever path you choose will take you to the same destination. The only thing that should guide you is your intuition. Trust that. And don’t worry—time is most certainly on your side.
The last of the quote hits home, and it will be something I will keep close to my heart.
P.S
First of the #saraareviews post and this is literally the fastest review I've ever done because I finished the book in three hours! Maybe it's because I had coffee today (after 2 weeks not having any) to keep me awake.
Love, Sara
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