inifinite ways to burn Review
By Celeste Daniels
TW: Domestic Abuse
Hello, audacious readers!
So…it’s June. And there is a lot going on. But if there’s any time to read, whether to escape reality or help face it, it’s right now. Last month, we went back in time to Silver Age Hollywood in The Seventh Veil of Salome by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. This month, we’re exploring transformation after destruction in the poetry volume infinite ways to burn by Jhane.
Love. People long for it, build their lives around it, and get lost in it. And sometimes it turns into something that makes you wonder if it was ever love in the first place.
In this poetry volume, Jhane explores her own personal experiences of love and what happens when it takes a dark turn into abuse. She writes with honesty about her hope for the relationship to go back to how it started along with her building resentment for what it’s turned in to. She’s vulnerable as she expresses past wounds that contribute to her staying in the situation and her choice to ultimately leave, showcasing her strength as she begins healing from her relationship. It’s a rollercoaster of self-discovery that’s raw but admiranble, showing the true strength of her writing.
I’m not gonna lie, this review is probably the hardest review I’ve had to write—mostly because I know Jhane. I’ve met her, hung out with her briefly at events, and have seen her start her own literary magazine Three Panel Press. I had my own impression of her as a lighthearted, good-natured writer who was supportive of those around her.
So, when I open this book and read the poem “petit mort” and “self-portrait as a southern live oak tree” it hits a little different. Because I’m not reading about an author that I’ve never met or only interacted with briefly online with a like here or a comment there. I’m reading the words of someone that I’ve talked to. So, while the writing is great, it feels wrong to say I “enjoyed” the book.
It feels better to say this: To Jhane, I believe you. I believe your words. I believe the love and pain. I understand how you feel in poems like “a night just for me” and “single.” I celebrated when reading “into the fire.” I feel that this volume is a testimony to the lessons you learned during that time in your life and I admire your vulnerability and honesty. I’m rooting for you. Thank you for this piece of art.
Readers, I hope you connected with infinite ways to burn! Feel free to comment your thoughts below and make stay tuned for June/July’s book club read, coming tomorrow. Until next time, don’t forget to read audaciously!
