The best modern poetry book I've ever read, bar none. It speaks of contemporary times, to the young adults of today, about the state of being a woman living under the brutal, burning hand of the patriarchy and rape culture. It's fucking tragic. I actually almost cried while reading this. It made me reflect on my own life, perhaps unlocked memories, and think how scarily similar the author and myself might be. Not least because we both love fairy tales and are utterly "bookmad". There is hope at the end of her book, however (not the end of her story, for no story has an ending, only a beginning, or many beginnings of our choosing). Amanda Lovelace chronicles her life so far in little astonishing verses, divided into four parts - "the princess", "the damsel", "the queen" and "you". She's a wonderful writer, and a proud feminist, who teaches us that we - young girls and women - can and will save ourselves. Our past and other people shouldn't define us. You don't have to be a helpless damsel and a child surviving the scary world of relationships, old and new. Stand up to abuse, and move on. Things done to you are never your fault. Be whoever you want to be. Be a mermaid, if you wish. You are the queen of your own life. You deserve to be happy.
It's inspiring. Personal. Haunting. Lush. Mesmerizing. I could read every poem in this over and over and my heart will skip a beat every time.
'The Princess Saves Herself in This One' isn't a fairy tale. It's life. Life presented in blissful and bittersweet poetry craft, scattered on pages like a broken heart, and like stars. Read it as soon as possible.
It might change - no, save - you.
Final Score: 5/5
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