Maia Brown-Jackson's writing
REVIEWS FOR AND MY BLOOD SANG
Maia Brown-Jackson, author of And My Blood Sang, is no novice when it comes to using vulnerability to address the complexities of trauma in her poetry. Her words are an unfiltered journey into the depths of human emotions, where the wounds of the past find solace through the healing power of verse.
With a courageous pen, each poem becomes a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The poet's ability to transform agony into art is nothing short of remarkable. Maia doesn't just speak of trauma but confronts it, offering a guiding light for those who have walked these paths.
Maia masterfully navigates the delicate balance between vulnerability and strength, reminding us that in the face of trauma, there is still room for beauty and grace. My favorite piece from the book is "The poet confesses." I’m sure I’m not the first writer who longs to, as the author says, “Become eternal, etched in ink/on paper and skin.”
Her writing is a testament to the transformative power of words, being an inspiration to all who dare to explore the depths of their own emotions.
from JonKeL, author of Trauma Monsters: A Collection of Poetry
And My Blood Sang is a manifesto of survival: through poems as lush as they are incisive, it contends with the darkness and emerges in a soft place where truths are uneasy but vital. These poems may be difficult, but they are also abundant, generous. Through an exploration of trauma (and its simultaneous universality and intimacy) the poems force the reader to come to terms with this following certainty: to save oneself means considering the deepest corners of one’s soul and shuffling powerful light into it, little by little.
“But it seems my heart is alive/and perhaps I should treat it/as a more/precious thing than/I do,” Maia Brown-Jackson writes. This collection is an act of bravery, and the poet, in search of salvation, triumphantly confronts the violence and deconstructs it with her heart on her sleeve—and what a precious thing it is, indeed.
from Aïcha Martine Thiam, author of At Sea and Burn the Witch
In this captivating collection, emotion spills from the pages like a river—each poem a testament to the vulnerability of love and the intricate dance between desire and restraint. With verses that cut to the core of the art of humanity and the depths of passion and fragile threads that bind us all, Maia Brown-Jackson takes you on a journey through the labyrinth of the heart, leaving you breathless, questioning, and ultimately deeply moved.
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The words within these pages resonate with a raw, unfiltered honesty that pierces the heart. Maia's ability to capture the essence of longing, sorrow, and the bittersweet nature of existence is truly remarkable. Each poem is a poignant reminder of the aches and joys that define our humanity. It's a work that will make you reflect on life's most profound moments, leaving an indelible mark on your soul. A must-read for anyone who craves poetry that touches the core of our shared human experience.
from P.D. Vulpe, author of From Great Heights
Step into the world of "And My Blood Sang" and prepare to be swept away on a journey of profound emotion, resilience, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Maia Brown-Jackson's collection of poetry is not merely a book to be read; it's an experience to be felt, cherished, and revisited time and time again.
From the very first page, Brown-Jackson's words dance across the mind, painting vivid images of pain, beauty, and the interconnectedness of our shared humanity. She masterfully delves into the darkest corners of human experience, exploring themes of trauma, resilience, and the power of community.
What sets "And My Blood Sang" apart is Brown-Jackson's unparalleled ability to distill complex emotions into breathtakingly simple yet profound verses. Each poem is a carefully crafted work of art, resonating with a depth and authenticity that speaks directly to the soul.
As I immersed myself in these pages, I found myself transported to a world where words have the power to heal, to uplift, and to inspire. Brown-Jackson's intimate exploration of her own journey, intertwined with the collective struggles of humanity, creates a tapestry of emotion that is as captivating as it is thought-provoking.
But perhaps what I found most remarkable about "And My Blood Sang" is its ability to leave an indelible mark on the heart. Long after I turned the final page, the echoes of Brown-Jackson's words lingered, reminding me of the resilience that resides within each of us, waiting to be discovered and embraced.
In conclusion, "And My Blood Sang" is more than just a book of poetry; it's a testament to the power of art to illuminate the darkest corners of the human experience and to find beauty, strength, and hope in the most unlikely of places. Whether you're a seasoned poetry lover or new to the genre, this collection is a must-read that will stay with you long after you've closed the cover.​
from Jithendra Jithu, critic
In 'And My Blood Sang,' Maia Brown-Jackson weaves words with a rare skill, creating a poetic tapestry where meaning is bound neatly between inked and un-inked spaces. Her mastery of language invites readers into an intimate dialogue, making this collection feel like a conversation between old friends, or just as easily, one between wayward traveling strangers. Each verse carries a weight of emotion, leaving a lasting impression that resonates deeply. Brown-Jackson's ability to succinctly express complex emotion is nothing short of remarkable, making this book a testament to the transformative power of poetry and the connection it forges between author and reader.
from Tara Sullivan, Freelancer and Nomad
And My Blood Sang by Maia Brown-Jackson is a powerful collection that packs a strong punch in a bite-sized package. This chapbook faces themes of trauma and tragedy and turns the pain of womanhood into a work of art. Brown-Jackson beautifully captures the rage of trauma and the struggle of healing in a succinct yet descriptive manner. A wonderful debut that leaves the reader eagerly awaiting more!
from Sarah Blakely, author of Volcano Girl and Scarlet & Shadows
"And My Blood Sang" by Maia Brown-Jackson is a powerful collection of poems centered around themes of resilience, community, and the enduring human spirit.
Brown-Jackson delves into the depths of human experience, exploring the darkness of pain and brutality alongside the unwavering strength found within individuals and communities.
The collection is a testament to the enduring human spirit. Despite facing unimaginable hardship and suffering, there's an undercurrent of hope and resilience. The poems may acknowledge the scars left by struggle, but they also celebrate them as symbols of survival.
The poems hint at a personal connection, with Brown-Jackson herself grappling with the complexities of human experience. This vulnerability invites readers to connect with the poems on a deeper level, finding solace and strength in shared experiences.
I myself felt a very deep connection with the authors words, all the poems are connected and feel like one entire thing.
Overall, "And My Blood Sang" promises to be a moving and thought-provoking collection. By exploring themes of suffering and resilience, it empowers readers to confront their own challenges and find strength within themselves and their communities.
from Rutuja Ramteke, critic
In her first collection, And My Blood Sang Maia Brown-Jackson grapples with the complexity of trauma and healing. Alternatively dreamlike and sincere, the poems evoke a past "when dark nothingness comes claiming." The singular voice at work in these poems is one we want to follow as it oscillates between mind and body, past and present, ultimately offering a moving reclamation of healing and narrative.
from Alise Alousi, author of What to Count
In Maia Brown-Jackson’s chapbook, And My Blood Sang, she boldly delivered something wholly unique and unexpected from poetry. She delved deep into a lot of hard-hitting themes while simultaneously telling an engrossing narrative. The latter was clearly intentional, and I was all for it.
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but my heart keeps tearing open, / bleeding love
like air, / whole self split, gaping wide / as I struggle
against it.
It was fascinating to follow the unnamed narrator’s journey through her trauma, as well as the imminent side effects, including mental illness, self-discovery, and the wear and tear that depression wreaks on you physically, emotionally, and psychologically. One of the elements that impressed me most was the poet’s ability to inexplicably explore said themes without going into the specific details. Simply knowing she was suffering in her brokenness, and reading about her often volatile emotional state, was enough to keep the pages turning. It was more than sufficient to make me care and to root for her the whole time.
Brown-Jackson’s interconnected narrative feel never gave the impression that the poems were fictitious, either. The world itself was somewhat reminiscent of a fantasy setting (which wouldn’t have felt whole without that nice sprinkling of metafiction), but the character and her emotional state always felt very real. Like she actually existed somewhere in time and/or space.
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I’ve spent years running, / choking down
stimulants and opiates / to make myself forget. /
Telling stories, kissing strangers, wishing on
stars, / and it’s never far behind.
There’s a lot more I could say about the narrator’s journey, the themes explored, or the little tidbits of wisdom that Maia Brown-Jackson gave, but doing so would spoil the experience for the next reader. This collection will destroy you, in the best way possible, and it’s books like this that are often perceived as dangerous; the writings that The Powers That Be try to ban or censor. For that reason, I think everyone should read it. And My Blood Sang is one of my favorite books of all-time, and in many ways, it was life-changing.
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I leave a trail of smoke and ash / because once
you’ve been through hell / you’re never truly free.
Truly, there's nothing like this book.
from Dustin Frueh, critic
It's the best part of the movie, where the character just went through hell but here they come back, battered and bruised but you can tell they are about to kick ass, right as they come out of the fire and the burning building...!
from Samuel Blanco
This collection speaks to the particular kind of longing that comes in times of pain. It gives words to the unspoken tug of war between trauma and recover, between love and despair, and between hope and fear.
If you have lived through moments in life that have felt unsurvivable, this collection is for you. If you feel trapped in a cycle of thoughts inside your own head, this collection is for you. If you refuse to give up on the goodness of humanity, despite so many warnings to do so, this collection is for you. And if you are stuck in the darkness right now and are desperate to find the light, this collection may be that light for you.
from Madeline Charne, dramaturg