At the end of this book review, I want you to imagine me screaming…
About the book:
(as seen on Amazon)
Do you rely on Earth for your survival?
Lion Scream is a graphic collection of poetry and prose. The book portrays the
author’s experiences with South African wildlife and the growing impact of the
Sixth Mass Extinction and Climate Change on the natural environment.
Lion Scream
There is no jungle
Only acres of smooth stumps
There is no jungle
No habitat, no food source
Hopeless lion screams tonight
“In this reflective collection of syllabic poetry, poet Roberta Cheadle weaves words,
emotions, and images as she recounts her soul-stirring journey around South Africa
in 2022. She highlights the plight of the animals in the face of the Sixth Mass
Extinction, during a visit to Ukutula Lodge & Game Reserve. Lion Roar is a poetic
and photographic roadmap to the heart & soul of South Africa with highlights about
the increasing impact of global warming on humanity and the greater planet.
A must read!”
—Colleen M. Chesebro, Author of Word Craft: Prose & Poetry, The Art of
Crafting Syllabic Poetry
Lion Scream: Syllabic Poetry About Southern African Wildlife
by Robbie Cheadle (Author)
launched on March 6th, 2023
255 pages.
My Amazon Review
I Think This 255-page Graphic Collection with YouTube Links, Poetry,
Prose and a Short Story Is a Must Read
Having heard about the blogger Robbie Cheadle very recently and instantly
feeling the goodwill energy she exudes on WordPress, I wanted to get close
to this Author, and so I investigated her latest book, a poetry collection, on
Amazon.
The first impression a prospective customer gets from a book begins in the
“About The Book” section. And so it was here [[*at seeing Colleen M. Chesebro’s
name]] that I received all the assurance I needed. I purchased the digital edition
without delay and started reading.
With this book, I went from cover to cover chronologically, pausing on each
photograph and the array of videos that grace this book.
But the photos and brief videos were a little too graphic for this old me: How could
anyone do such harm to animals? And I immediately found an affinity with the
author.
Lion Scream: Syllabic Poetry About Southern African Wildlife by Robbie Cheadle
is populated by photographs and videos taken by Robbie Cheadle, as does poetry
and prose. The marriage between these is extraordinary. They are the essence of the
entire collection, and what a collection! The poems are obviously carefully chosen
words, and most are written in the lovely syllabic poetry form known as a double
ennead: each poem comprises of 99 syllables. I adored them all. And what a visual
and poetic journey of discovery exists between this gorgeous book’s front and back
cover.
But that’s not all. The last part of the book is a story entitled The Nutcracker. Oh my
goodness! I listened to that story three times before rereading the book a second and
third time for this review. The Nutcracker story spoke to me immensely! I know people
who know young people suffering, like the protagonist in the story. Or, at best, I
imagine that’s how these young people suffer.
Of course, my heart couldn’t take the literal graphic photos of those animals maimed
by soul-less greedy humans. I felt my soul scream. And so, when the maiming inflicted
involved the mental health of our children, I screamed in my head even louder.
On further reading, I realized how fitting the title of this poetry collection is. The
lion, the king of the jungle, screams. And when he screams, we cannot but give the
situation our undivided attention. This is a must-read, dear readers. And share it
with your children as they need practice in empathy and an educated understanding
of the situation if their children are fortunate enough to exist.
My review might have taken a dark turn; I’m just too sensitive, but this book is full of
light. And some of the videos are too cute for words.
The Nutcracker story at the end, mentions medication and touches on the effects of
climate change that exacerbates mental illness.
Lion Scream: Syllabic Poetry About Southern African Wildlife by Robbie Cheadle
is a masterpiece! And I highly embrace and recommend it. I salute and bow deeply to
Robbie Cheadle for educating me through this book of poetry, and I wish to “scream”
at the top of my voice about it.
A five-star rating from me– a satisfied customer in Japan.
[[*at the last minute, I omitted to mention Colleen on Amazon, but seeing that was
enlightening.]]
Thank you for reading, dear readers. And if you’re still considering whether or not to
purchase this collection, I hope this review has helped to inform your decision.
…incidentally, did you read my post about brimming over with Africa? Here it is
again for your enjoyment and a notice for Poetry Archive Now! submissions. xo
- A Reblog— Poetry Book Review: “Poetry Treasures 4” - May 8, 2024
- Share The Wealth: Joy is Our Natural State - May 6, 2024
- NPM Scavenger Hunt – Poems from Around the World - April 30, 2024
Your reviews really help me make decisions. I have to get this one (and scream alongside you)
And you’ll be happy for it. I know. Let’s scream. Loud.
Hi Kajal, if you decide read Lion Scream, I hope you will relate to it’s message and also enjoy the beauty of our wild animals.
wonderful and understand the screaming –
The screaming. Yes. Thanks, Beth xoxo
Thank you, Beth.
This book sounds so relevant to our times, Selma! Thank you for reviewing it. <3
It’s my absolute pleasure, Cheryl. The book is relevant to where we are right now. So good. Xoxo
Thank you, Cheryl. I hoped to highlight the plight of southern Africa’s wildlife through the poems and story in this book. The short story also depicts the heavy price our children are paying for our neglect of our natural environment which is equally important.
Hi Selma, what a wonderful surprise to come across your review this afternoon. I am beyond thrilled that you appreciated the full meaning of this book. I know some of the poems and links are heart rending, but that is what makes the message about the Sixth Mass Extinction so important. Colleen did a most marvelous job editing this book, and I am very grateful to her.
Tremendously timely book. A must read. Glad you saw the review. It’s live on Amazon for now. I hope it doesn’t disappear. Blessings on your Sunday, Robbie
Lion Scream sounds like a fascinating read. ✨🙏🏻
It’s fascinating, Michele Lee. Gorgeous what it does to your understanding. I loved it.
Happy Sunday.
Your reviews are stellar! Thank you, Selma. 🌞 Have a wonderful week!
Thank you, Michelle. Selma wrote a beautiful and insightful review.
Wonderful review, Selma. I loved this book, but I agree with you in that some of what Robbie wrote about is so hard to imagine. I got teary-eyed at times. Congrats to Robbie on her continued success. ❤️
The reality is sad. Thanks for reading my review and for being of the same mind about the book. It’s a lovely read indeed. Bless you.
Great review.. Love Robbie’s book!!❣️
A beautiful human experience. Xoxo
❤️❤️❤️
Thank you, Cindy. I’m delighted you enjoyed Lion Scream.
Hi Lauren, thank you for your lovely comment. Lion Scream is close to my heart and I appreciate your support.
Pingback: Robbie’s Inspiration – A wonderful review of Lion Scream #poetry #sixthmassextinction #readingcommunity – Robbie's inspiration
Great review, Selma:) It is hard to see animals hurt, but so important to speak up against too. This was a collection I loved for its importance in that. You are so right ebout that title.
A wonderful book and title. xoxo Thanks, D.L.
Congratulations to Robbie on the stellar review! I add my own recommendation to the power of this multifacted collection.
It is lovely. Thanks, Liz
You’re welcome, Selma.
Selma, this is such a lovely and frightening review. I can’t stand to watch commercials of mistreated animals even. However, you have made me want to swallow up my queasy stomach, put on my big girl pants and face the music and read the book. I adore Robbie and Colleen and am working on an interview with Robbie. This book looks like a good place to start. Thanks for sharing the lovely review.
Pingback: Visiting Robbie Cheadle At Writing To Be Read Website Today – Selma