Customer Reviews

Sing Past Winter: A Modern Psalter

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This book is a psalter for anyone who has ever experienced chronic pain and a metaphor for transformation for those who have not. Lopez, desperate for relief from pain following surgery that would not heal, sought the advice of a body-centered healer, who told her the only way he knew to relieve pain was by going deeper into it. Reading, browsing and rereading Lopez' book takes us to the place where boundaries merge and the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual bodies are one. Thus, it reminds us that WE are ONE and describes for us in poetry and metaphor, the mystical and ecstatic experience of atonement (at-one-ment) and healing. The book is beautifully written and elegantly illustrated. Like pain itself, it can become a companion to trust and walk with upon occasion for there is much to learn in these liminal lands.

I don't normally take the time to write reviews - but there are so many reasons I could have for loving this book!

The thing which hit me first was the incredible quality of the illustrations. They are simply beautiful (stunningly so), yet they also capture something of the Artist's unique insight into symbolism and colour theory.

As for the poetry itself, it is of the highest quality. Having spent the last year studying various mythological traditions (I am an English student at the University of Sydney) I enjoyed seeing how the author was able to build upon the tradition of the psalms as well as a wealth of other signs and symbols (helpfully explained in an appendix). Yet more than that, I appreciated how much of her soul the author leaves vulnerable in the process - this is art of the best kind: honest, beautiful and clear.

I took my mind for a walk through the passages of life experiences that Margaret Jacoby Lopez has revealed. This is a work of art that I will read again and again.

sing past winter is inspiring, hopeful, and most soulfull. it is a book to keep on the bedside table to pick up and read at anytime that is encouraging and a guide to go forward in our lives.