Book Review: Pastoral Suite
Book cover image from Bookshop.org
When I realized that I was going to review John Muro, Pastoral Suite, I was a bit giddy with anticipation. No, I did not fangirl, exactly, but since I enjoy reading his poems in the MockingOwl Roost, I knew this would be a special adventure through the four seasons. I was not disappointed.
Pastoral Suite, is a wonderous poetic movement through each season of the year, as well through the seasons of one’s life.
John Muro, an eminent poet of our time, guides the reader through these seasons with ease, and grace. It’s a very symbiotic relationship, and one that works well with this piece.
It flows very much like an opera with joyous heights, periods of quiet discovery, and intense lows. The reader finds themselves swept into the intimacy that John has with the land, and his friends/family.
Many of his poems have dedications. These poems, although heart wrenching, had me enthralled. The word pictures he paints of his surroundings are so detailed and beautiful, you feel as if you are standing on the land with him.
John had me laughing, and crying within short time spans of each other. My makeup was an absolute mess, but my heart was sated.
I feel that the next time I read Pastoral Suite, and there will be a next time, I would like to read each section during the corresponding season.
Although I felt the seasons swirling around me as I read his poetry, to actually be able to see the changing of season at the same time, would make it even more meaningful.
Pastoral Suite would be a lovely gift for poetry enthusiasts, or anyone that relishes watching the seasons change from green, to russet, to gray and finally wintry white.
I also feel Pastoral Suite should be in every High School, and College library. Speech Teams seeking competition pieces may consider Pastoral Suite a treasure trove of possibilities.
As a former poetry competitor and Judge, I can see how these poems could be easily linked together to create a powerful competition piece.
What a tip of the hat to an author, to have his poetry become the armament that will win someone a place in a Speech Team’s history.
Pastoral Suite is a beautiful poetic journey for the mind, body and soul. It is a gentle, yet powerful book to read when escaping the cold of this season. Curl up by the fire and enjoy indulging yourself.
If you would like more book suggestions, try these:
- Nightfall in the Garden of Deep Time
- Some Things I Still Can’t Tell You
- The Night Library at Sternendach
Sue Cook lives in Freeport, Illinois with her husband Randy and two dogs. Her passions include assistance dogs, rescue dogs, music, acting, theater, poetry, and Doctor Who. She’s been in both film and theater and is a regular cast member of the podcast Doctor Who’s Line is it….Anyway? Sue is an advocate for the use of Service Dogs to assist their disabled handlers to maintain their independence. Quigley’s Quest, her first children’s book, addresses how a dog becomes a Service Dog.
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Book cover image from Anderson Bookshop
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