Bruises, showcases Adam Shove’s wisdom, growth, and impactful storytelling through poetry. The engaging metaphors have depth and will leave the leader shaken to their core. There are angst, emotion, and thought-provoking pieces present to simmer upon the reader as they ponder their thoughts.
Bruises, features writers collaborating on fine art in word form to paint poet's secrets eventually becoming realists unraveling pretentiousness, pain, and overall captivating reads.
There’s a pleasant rhythm and flow in the read, although parts are heavy uncovering the darkness, it never leaves the reader astray. There are reflections, hindsight, and questions as Adam Shove romanticises his life, in part, soaking in flavour and trauma. He pens on page 146, “a reflection of my life as the bruises shine through the midnight stars,” which is truly a beautiful stand-out line overall in this poetry collection.
Adam Shove is deeply lost in his soul baring all in hopes someone will understand him. It appears that this book is something therapeutic to the author as he pens on page 118, “poetry being a luxury. . .much more than a necessity.”
Bruises, is a tough read at times with the heaviness yet intellectual storytelling grasping the reader at every page turn. Each piece unfolds in a delicate manner, needing to be digested in one read.
Adam Shove is an Estonian and English poet, who writes poems laden with cryptic metaphors and pop culture references; doused in vodka and thrift shop ideas. He is inspired by RZA, Frank Ocean, second-hand clothes, models, tattoos, and expensive cars.
Words by Danielle Holian