Lord of the Butterflies by Andrea Gibson | Rating: ★★★★★

As a note, a copy of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

I know I've said it a hundred times over this year, last year, and several years before but: Lord of the Butterflies is a standout. Truly one of the best poetic releases of 2018. The thing that makes Lord of the Butterflies so poignant? Simple: Andrea Gibson.

And Gibson's voice is very important to note. Because if there is one thing you should know about them before you read Lord of the Butterflies, it's that Gibson's prose has a presence that is potent and prone to getting under your skin in the way that only good poetry can. You'll feel. You'll cry. You'll smile. You'll be. Lord of the Butterflies treats you to any emotion imaginable.

Which is to say: they know how to hit you right in the soul with their words and that's the sign of pure brilliance in poetry. Gibson takes you by your collar and leaves you reeling from their honesty. I was honestly dizzy with emotion the moment I finished this collection and then I did something I so rarely do upon finishing a book--I went back to the start and read it again.

You can always tell when a poet is genuine in their words, and Gibson is at a certain point beyond genuine. You can't label their work, because it's in a league of its own.

Right now, Gibson is someone you should be listening to.

They are unforgettable as they come. 

I always find it so difficult to review poetry because poetry is all about feeling something and to try and review it? It's nearly impossible without breaking down every single line, from every single poem, and that would ruin the experience of reading Lord of the Butterflies for the first time.

So here's what I will say: Lord of the Butterflies is a breathtaking exploration of Gibson. You don't want to miss this.