Seahorse

by Natasha Dennerstein

Natasha Dennerstein pops her poetry with culture, estrogen and brilliantly bold honesty. Reading this book brought me closer to myself, my sisters, and our shared histories. Trans is beautiful and Natasha illustrates how that beauty comes from hard won victories over self and others. Seahorse is a well-cast spell. I'm so grateful for these words.
Mx Justin Vivian Bond

Genres: Poetry

34 pages, Paperback

Published March 10, 2017

About the author

Natasha Dennerstein was born in Melbourne, Australia, to a family originating in Belarus.  She worked as a psychiatric nurse for many years, which gave her an interesting perspective on the human condition. She has an MFA from San Francisco State University. Natasha has had poetry published in many journals including Landfall, Snorkel, Shenandoah, Bloom, Transfer, Red Light Lit, Spoon River Poetry Review and Foglifter. Her collections Anatomize (2015) Triptych Caliform (2016)and About a Girl (2017) were published by Norfolk Press in San Francisco. Her recent chapbook Seahorse (2017) was published by Nomadic Press in Oakland.

Reviews

[Peter Gajdics · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dennerstein's voice is visceral, raw and pained, real and necessary, liberating, filled with sacrifice and blood and hard-won lessons in the footsteps of her writing. Her words reveal a world behind our world, and the more I read the more I want to read, know, feel, see, hear, understand. Read Seahorse, and then prepare to be amazed. I will now look for all of her other writing, that's for sure.

[Larry Lare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seahorse is a tiny book like its namesake. Although tiny, the understanding you derive from listening to the seahorse is enormous. In a sweet and poignant way this publication is a timely educational tool. Jump on this beautiful seahorse and enjoy the carousel."
Larry Lare Nelson

[Mary Alterator · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dennerstein is a writer of worth. There is humanity and delicacy beating through her work despite the gritty backdrop and challenges. Her honesty is to be applauded and an obvious delight for words lauded as she takes the reader along for one segment of a life well-lived and still going strong. As is said do yourself the favor!

[Madeline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Natasha's "Anatomize" and have to say that "Seahorse" continues my appreciation!

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seahorse is an important and deeply moving book. Dennerstein does not sanitize or abridge her story of incredible challenge and bravery. Those experiencing gender questioning or transition may find support and a kindred spirit here; and anybody who wants to develop their own compassion for the transgender experience will find plenty of teaching here.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes a book comes along that simply knocks the wind out of you with its grace, honesty, beauty, truth, and sheer power of language. Natasha Dennerstein's Seahorse is that book. An unflinching view of a main character in transition from unknown boy into the woman who is "I". From the demoralizing world of hustling on the streets and the omnipresent grip of addiction, to a place of self and serenity. I want all the books I read from now on to be this great! The poems have a wonderful power and lyrical quality. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy asap!