reviews
previous reviews here
strong opinions ahead
just where i post all my little reviews on the books or stuff i've consumed lately.
The Flame by: leonard cohen
oh my god. okay. where do i even start? this collection was absolutely breathtaking, every poem and drawing and ramble. i am incredibly biased because i've always loved his music, but i've never read his literary work before. this was an incredible introduction. honestly, this selection was transcendental - a delicious read from start to finish. the poems were heartfelt, even more raw than some of his music, and i didn't even know he was such a skilled traditional artist! leonard cohen is always full of surprises, one must assume. his unfinished lyrics, his political commentary - everything felt so lovingly collated into The Flame that i didnt't skip a single piece.
truth be told, this was a near-biblical read for me. might be one of my favorites. I shall transcribe one of my favorite poems here:
Nightingale, page 98
I built my house beside the wood
So I could hear you singing
And it was sweet and it was good
And love was all beginning
Fare thee well my nightingale
'Twas long ago I found you
Now all your songs of beauty fail
The forest gathers round you
The sun goes down behind a veil
'Tis now when you would call me
So rest in peace my nightingale
Beneath your branch of holly
Fare thee well my nightingale
I lived but to be near you
Though you are singing somewhere still
I can no longer hear you
easily, i give this a 10/10. not a single question asked. i'm excited to start his other collection, Book of Longing.