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A Beautiful Suffering: Collected Poems, Vol. I
John Mulhall guides his readers through the various phases of love in his first collection of poems, “A Beautiful Suffering.” An intense vulnerability and a complex tapestry of emotions – betrayal, lust, passion, sadness, and joy – are exquisitely displayed in his writing. When strung together, his stories illustrate the relatable suffering and bliss that accompany one of life’s central journeys, evoking empathy in the reader, and encouraging them to embrace the entirety of love’s beautiful, and at times ruthless, splendor.
146 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 8
About the author
John Mulhall
11 books70 followersJohn Mulhall is a storyteller. His debut novel, the supernatural thriller Geddy’s Moon, was a #1 horror best seller on Amazon, and also named one of the best of 2013 by Suspense Magazine. His follow up novel, Dark and Broken Things, a poignant psychological thriller, met similarly enthusiastic reviews. His first collection of poetry, A Beautiful Suffering, was released in 2918. He lives in Newbury Park, CA, where he is currently at work on a second volume of poems, as well as two new novels, several short stories, and a stage play.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 3, 2018
While the author states not all of these poems are autobiographical, they are, in essence, just that...for the reader. For it would be impossible to read this collection and not find at least one shared moment of experience. That one, ‘oh my god!’ moment when the reader says, yes. Yes, that is how I would tell my own story, if only I had the words. Right down to a poem, of the same name, ‘Yes’.
But the journey doesn’t stop there. Some of these poems are bittersweet; ‘Honeysuckle’ spoke of that to me. Some are forceful, read ‘Built for it’ and, ‘I am Fire’. Others (‘Willingly’; ‘Dust’; ‘Learning You’), seek to show us the deeper, sensual, light and darkness that make up the give and take of relationships, that succeed, or, as we have all experienced, fail.
Reminding the reader, or at least this reader, that as unique as my experiences are, it is only in relationships with others that we get to discover what this magical, painful, hopeful, powerful, wonderful, life we are living really is.
Thank you, John Mulhall, for sharing such intimate pieces of both your own life experiences, and your observations, insights, and emotional connections to the collective soul.
‘A Beautiful Suffering’, indeed.
But the journey doesn’t stop there. Some of these poems are bittersweet; ‘Honeysuckle’ spoke of that to me. Some are forceful, read ‘Built for it’ and, ‘I am Fire’. Others (‘Willingly’; ‘Dust’; ‘Learning You’), seek to show us the deeper, sensual, light and darkness that make up the give and take of relationships, that succeed, or, as we have all experienced, fail.
Reminding the reader, or at least this reader, that as unique as my experiences are, it is only in relationships with others that we get to discover what this magical, painful, hopeful, powerful, wonderful, life we are living really is.
Thank you, John Mulhall, for sharing such intimate pieces of both your own life experiences, and your observations, insights, and emotional connections to the collective soul.
‘A Beautiful Suffering’, indeed.
September 3, 2018
Longing is the theme that runs through “A Beautiful Suffering” the newest work by the, known for his horror genre books, author John Mulhall. I found myself longing for lovers, friends, days gone by and much more in every one of these small vignettes into daily life and love that the author takes us through. I digested each of these glimpses into the love and pain that living brings to each of us like a fine meal, slowly, thoughtfully, enjoying each and every morsel.
Having been a big fan of Mr. Mulhall’s novels I wasn’t sure if he could transition to something so real. There was no reason to worry, there is nothing supernatural or mysterious about it just raw, truthful emotion, and he hit it out of the park.
I am sure that I will revisit this collection many times. As much as I identified with every piece in this reading I am sure it will continue to be relevant and change as I do and continue to be an inspiration. I hope for a Volume 2 very soon!
Having been a big fan of Mr. Mulhall’s novels I wasn’t sure if he could transition to something so real. There was no reason to worry, there is nothing supernatural or mysterious about it just raw, truthful emotion, and he hit it out of the park.
I am sure that I will revisit this collection many times. As much as I identified with every piece in this reading I am sure it will continue to be relevant and change as I do and continue to be an inspiration. I hope for a Volume 2 very soon!
August 20, 2018
I absolutely love A Beautiful Suffering. Having been a big fan of John Mulhall’s two horror novels, I was excited to see how well he could transition from horror to poetry of the heart. Mulhall does not disappoint. His poetry is powerful and seductive. It creates an emotional connection that can leave one yearning and aching, or even recalling one’s own wonderful past loves or tremendous heartbreaks. I have read this numerous times now and each time, the poetry penetrates my heart as if it was the first reading. I highly recommend this book to anyone who passionately longs to have words move them.
August 22, 2018
Mulhall does beautiful work! I first fell in love with his writing through Geddy’s Moon and Dark and Broken Things. Horror is a genre I avoid, and yet, I became deeply engrossed in these books and devoured them. With A Beautiful Suffering, Mulhall thrilled me again. This gorgeous collection of poems does everything poetry should do. The words make you want to read and re-read them alone, share them with others, cry, ache, rage, hope, and reminisce. All in all, this is a beautifully written, soul bearing collection. I will be (and already have) recommended A Beautiful Suffering to family and friends.
August 31, 2018
A Beautiful Suffering is a journey of emotions which immediately took its grip as I connected to the author's descriptive words and through my own personal experiences.
As I began reading the first poem, memories surfaced and i was hooked on each word. I admit, I was procrastinating on a project but honestly could not put this down until I had finished reading every word.
The author's intimate storytelling was at times riveting and thought provoking. Sometimes playful & sensual, loving and accepting. Always unabashedly real.
I highly recommend this collection of poems and if you're not particularly a fan of poetry, you will be after reading A Beautiful Suffering. I know I am!
As I began reading the first poem, memories surfaced and i was hooked on each word. I admit, I was procrastinating on a project but honestly could not put this down until I had finished reading every word.
The author's intimate storytelling was at times riveting and thought provoking. Sometimes playful & sensual, loving and accepting. Always unabashedly real.
I highly recommend this collection of poems and if you're not particularly a fan of poetry, you will be after reading A Beautiful Suffering. I know I am!
September 14, 2018
I was happy to find the writer of Geddy's Moon and Dark and Broken Things had branched out to poetry. I love his books so I figured I would give it a try.
I was instantly drawn in. The words felt like he had crawled into my brain and heart and put my thoughts and feelings onto paper like I never could.
I share it with others and get the same feedback. I will continue to share it.
These poems helped me forget about what's going on in the world and my life and took me to a whole other place far, far away. I can't thank him enough.
This will not collect dust like other books in my bookcase. I will read from it for the rest of my life.
Go to your favorite place.
Relax.
Read.
Enjoy.
I was instantly drawn in. The words felt like he had crawled into my brain and heart and put my thoughts and feelings onto paper like I never could.
I share it with others and get the same feedback. I will continue to share it.
These poems helped me forget about what's going on in the world and my life and took me to a whole other place far, far away. I can't thank him enough.
This will not collect dust like other books in my bookcase. I will read from it for the rest of my life.
Go to your favorite place.
Relax.
Read.
Enjoy.
August 21, 2018
Love. Grief. Sex. Pain. Joy. Anger. Ecstasy. Betrayal. Longing. Disappointment. Hope. And a new way to experience all of them with A Beautiful Suffering. This collection is stunning in its entirety and rare in that every page is relevant. Each poem offers exquisite mood, clever phrasing and striking imagery. Mulhall delivers a delicious sharpness and clarity to those feelings most of us have experienced but are hard pressed to express so eloquently. Intense, thought provoking, and transcendent…and so very addictive.
July 7, 2021
Wait...Wait...I Might Like Poetry
I had a feeling I would love this collection as I read the author’s note. I appreciated the humility expressed as an apology to poem experts. I am certainly not one. I appreciated the disclosure that Mr Mulhall is a story teller who loves words. He is correct; his choreographed words tell many stories. Or maybe they tell many facets of only a few stories. Each poem individually addresses love or sex or desire or heartache or apathy. As I read each one aloud, I can confirm Mr Mulhall achieved his goal: I clearly heard and felt beautiful suffering and truth.
My favorite two poems are “A Clean Execution” and “Temporary”. Both touched deep places within. “A Clean Execution” provided a somewhat creepy metaphor of a way to say goodbye to a toxic person. Yes, Mulhall is likely referring to losing a romantic partner, but I instantly thought of a friendship (possibly two) that needs me to be “a tidy executioner”. A ceremony with ritual might be required. Yes, perfect analogy.
“Temporary” brought tears to my eyes as I read it aloud, sitting in the sunshine. I felt the sadness, the disappointment. I wanted to shake both of them and ask why it had to be temporary, why it couldn’t be permanent, why would people willingly pursue “temporary,” why, why, why. Then I smiled, knowing my truth, my life experience, is not relevant.
I had a feeling I would love this collection as I read the author’s note. I appreciated the humility expressed as an apology to poem experts. I am certainly not one. I appreciated the disclosure that Mr Mulhall is a story teller who loves words. He is correct; his choreographed words tell many stories. Or maybe they tell many facets of only a few stories. Each poem individually addresses love or sex or desire or heartache or apathy. As I read each one aloud, I can confirm Mr Mulhall achieved his goal: I clearly heard and felt beautiful suffering and truth.
My favorite two poems are “A Clean Execution” and “Temporary”. Both touched deep places within. “A Clean Execution” provided a somewhat creepy metaphor of a way to say goodbye to a toxic person. Yes, Mulhall is likely referring to losing a romantic partner, but I instantly thought of a friendship (possibly two) that needs me to be “a tidy executioner”. A ceremony with ritual might be required. Yes, perfect analogy.
“Temporary” brought tears to my eyes as I read it aloud, sitting in the sunshine. I felt the sadness, the disappointment. I wanted to shake both of them and ask why it had to be temporary, why it couldn’t be permanent, why would people willingly pursue “temporary,” why, why, why. Then I smiled, knowing my truth, my life experience, is not relevant.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews