#Review: Night of the Hawk by Lauren Martin

Lauren Martin’s poetry collection, “Night of the Hawk,” is a poignant exploration of the human experience, delving into themes of resilience, identity, and the search for connection. Through her evocative verses, Martin invites readers to journey alongside her as she navigates the complexities of life, grappling with issues such as illness, marginalization, and the longing for understanding. One of the striking elements of the collection is Martin’s adept use of rhyme and meter, which lend a musical quality to her words, enhancing the emotional impact of each poem. From free verse to structured forms, Martin demonstrates a mastery of poetic technique, seamlessly weaving together diverse subjects with a unifying thread of introspection and empathy.

At its core, “Night of the Hawk” is a testament to the power of storytelling as a means of both personal expression and collective understanding. Martin’s poems resonate with authenticity and vulnerability, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences and perspectives. As a reader, I found myself drawn to the raw honesty of Martin’s voice and the depth of emotion imbued in her words. Whether exploring the intricacies of love and loss or confronting societal injustices, Martin’s poetry radiates with a sense of urgency and conviction. There’s a genuine ease with which the words are strung together- no flamboyant vocabulary and several instances of relatability.

The titular poem “Night of the Hawk” is a haunting poem that weaves together themes of longing, mortality, and the mystical, inviting readers into a realm where time stands still and mysteries abound. Similarly, ‘My experience as a postmenopausal woman’ expresses the frustration of postmenopausal women feeling ignored and belittled, despite their contributions to feminism and society. It highlights the intersection of ageism and misogyny and the struggle for recognition of their wisdom and experience. Another one that stood out for me was Ziggy, which expresses the narrator’s relief in realizing peace after leaving a toxic relationship characterized by judgement and arrogance, contrasting it with the appreciation for someone else’s deeper connection and understanding. You see how different each piece is? That’s why this collection offers an unprecedented emotional surge on every page!

Overall, “Night of the Hawk” is a stirring and thought-provoking collection that leaves a lasting impression. Through her lyrical prose and unflinching honesty, Lauren Martin offers readers a glimpse into the human condition, urging us to embrace compassion, kindness, and the power of connection in an often fragmented world. This collection is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to inspire, uplift, and provoke introspection.

Best wishes to the poet!

Find this book here.