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grief & loss & love & sex
When Lara Margaret Marjerrison's eldest sister died by suicide her world was rocked off its axis. In an effort to reconcile the irreconcilable, she turned to her creative outlets, primarily painting and poetry. In surrendering fully to her creative process, she found a way to turn her broken heart into art. What remains is a beautiful guidebook to grief and finding life and magic again in the forever-changed landscape.
- GenresPoetry
80 pages, Paperback
Published October 17, 2018
1 person is currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Lara Margaret Marjerrison
2 books16 followersLARA MARGARET MARJERRISON (elemem) is a queer, multidisciplinary artist with a vision of impacting the world around her through the transformative power of visual art and storytelling. She spends her days writing poetry and prose, dabbling in photography, and playing with paint, bringing to life her inside stories.
Passionately motivated by social justice and on a never-ending quest of personal evolution, Lara is a freedom fighter on a mission to liberate the voiceless, beaten down, and bound. Lara views art as a bridge between people and a means of reaching beyond her own limitations. Through her workshops, talks, poetry, and performance, she helps people tap into the unlimited power of words to heal from harm so they can show up as their whole selves, fully present and grounded in their power. Ultimately, all her work is about connection, because she knows: when we connect, we care, and when we care, we take better care...of ourselves, of others, and of the world around us.
Lara resides in Toronto with her son and her cat. When not at home creating, she’s most likely to be riding her bike or (in non-pandemic times) travelling the globe...collecting experiences, fresh perspectives, and lots and lots of rocks.
Passionately motivated by social justice and on a never-ending quest of personal evolution, Lara is a freedom fighter on a mission to liberate the voiceless, beaten down, and bound. Lara views art as a bridge between people and a means of reaching beyond her own limitations. Through her workshops, talks, poetry, and performance, she helps people tap into the unlimited power of words to heal from harm so they can show up as their whole selves, fully present and grounded in their power. Ultimately, all her work is about connection, because she knows: when we connect, we care, and when we care, we take better care...of ourselves, of others, and of the world around us.
Lara resides in Toronto with her son and her cat. When not at home creating, she’s most likely to be riding her bike or (in non-pandemic times) travelling the globe...collecting experiences, fresh perspectives, and lots and lots of rocks.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 28, 2019
I’m biased, but I liked this collection of poems so much that my company decided to publish them. If you’ve ever experienced profound loss; if you’ve ever loved a sibling; if you’ve ever healed through creating art - this is poetry you can’t afford to miss.
November 22, 2019
Woohoo! First person on goodreads to rate and review this book!
I've been going through a bit of a poetry phase and stumbled across this anthology in the Poetry section at Chapters. I had no idea it was a brand new release, but I liked the premise of it and decided to buy a copy. It's only 50 pages long, so I read through it in 2 sittings.
Grief & Loss & Love & Sex is about all of the above, but mostly grief. Lara's sister passed away by suicide and this is really her response to dealing with that grief. She includes a prologue about the book and her sister that was really moving, before getting into some of the poetry she wrote about how she was impacted and affected by her sister's death. I really like her style of poetry. It's not too dense to read and I like the spoken word feel of it. It has a good beat to it and I like that much of it rhymed. I feel like not that much poetry rhymes these days, which is totally fine, but I appreciate clever and well written prose.
In my opinion, most of the anthology focused on grief and loss, but Marjerrison does start exploring themes of love in the last third. Personally I didn't find this poetry quite as engaging, but since this anthology very much reads like a personal, healing journey, I don't think it really matters if it didn't pull me in as much. There's a strong emotional theme present throughout the entire anthology and I really do hope that the writing of it helped the author to heal. A great debut - very moving.
I've been going through a bit of a poetry phase and stumbled across this anthology in the Poetry section at Chapters. I had no idea it was a brand new release, but I liked the premise of it and decided to buy a copy. It's only 50 pages long, so I read through it in 2 sittings.
Grief & Loss & Love & Sex is about all of the above, but mostly grief. Lara's sister passed away by suicide and this is really her response to dealing with that grief. She includes a prologue about the book and her sister that was really moving, before getting into some of the poetry she wrote about how she was impacted and affected by her sister's death. I really like her style of poetry. It's not too dense to read and I like the spoken word feel of it. It has a good beat to it and I like that much of it rhymed. I feel like not that much poetry rhymes these days, which is totally fine, but I appreciate clever and well written prose.
In my opinion, most of the anthology focused on grief and loss, but Marjerrison does start exploring themes of love in the last third. Personally I didn't find this poetry quite as engaging, but since this anthology very much reads like a personal, healing journey, I don't think it really matters if it didn't pull me in as much. There's a strong emotional theme present throughout the entire anthology and I really do hope that the writing of it helped the author to heal. A great debut - very moving.
December 6, 2021
Lara gets it!
June 9, 2025
This collection of poems was incredibly moving. I knew the author’s sister, and therefore had a personal connection, but Lara writes in a way that is universally approachable and I found myself putting her words to my own romantic and familial relationships as well. The varied styles of this book make it the perfect book to pick up and put down as the poems wash over you like the glorious descriptions of the waves in Eleuthera. I hope there are more books to come… Lara is a talented author and poet who writes with heart and intensity.
March 26, 2023
I am not one to take in poetry normally - I have the rather unfair view that all the greatest poetry I have read, I had done so as a teenager. The only reason I am dipping my toes into this genre is because I am forcing myself to be as wide a reader as possible this year.
That said, I was harkened back to my reading of Eliot in this read, specifically J Alfred Prufrock.
Lara Margaret Marjerrison (elemem)'s Grief & Loss & Love & Sex is a journey towards healing after the loss of a sibling - an event even more tragic given that this sibling was taken long before their time. Lara mentions Eleuthera as the catalyst for her to begin this journey (whether it be the song or the place) and begins to stitch the tear in the universe with pieces and stories of herself. This process is nicely illustrated in "Kintsugi", which is the art of repairing something to make it more beautiful.
“Life breaks us. Then we fill the cracks with something stronger.” -B.S. (O)
Even though this is healing after the loss of a loved one, as you advance through the pages, you get a strong sense there is a story of romance gone arwy being subtly constructed through prose. If elemem decides to share that story, I would like to hear it.
I do not want to spend too much time reviewing each entry, but I will say the below were my top 3
-Kintsugi
-see through
-when you're alone
That said, I was harkened back to my reading of Eliot in this read, specifically J Alfred Prufrock.
Lara Margaret Marjerrison (elemem)'s Grief & Loss & Love & Sex is a journey towards healing after the loss of a sibling - an event even more tragic given that this sibling was taken long before their time. Lara mentions Eleuthera as the catalyst for her to begin this journey (whether it be the song or the place) and begins to stitch the tear in the universe with pieces and stories of herself. This process is nicely illustrated in "Kintsugi", which is the art of repairing something to make it more beautiful.
“Life breaks us. Then we fill the cracks with something stronger.” -B.S. (O)
Even though this is healing after the loss of a loved one, as you advance through the pages, you get a strong sense there is a story of romance gone arwy being subtly constructed through prose. If elemem decides to share that story, I would like to hear it.
I do not want to spend too much time reviewing each entry, but I will say the below were my top 3
-Kintsugi
-see through
-when you're alone
June 16, 2020
it is, at times, critical
to look at
your current set
of circumstances
with a completely fresh
set of eyes
in this way
gratitude and wonder
will remain
at the forefront.
- look again.
to look at
your current set
of circumstances
with a completely fresh
set of eyes
in this way
gratitude and wonder
will remain
at the forefront.
- look again.
July 17, 2020
This book of poetry really touched me. It is probably one of my highest rated books of poetry in quite a while. Honestly, poetry lover or not, everyone should read this one. There is just something about it. I’ll definitely be re-reading this again and again.
Read
December 7, 2019The thoughts and feelings expressed so beautifully will connect those who have experienced a tragic loss of any type. The view forward, the knowledge and the motivation to learn and to share will have meaning to all. Kind, simple and profound perspectives.
December 7, 2019
grief&loss&love&sex is a powerful read. It is full of so many different emotions. It will make you laugh and cry. Lara's words will stay with you for a long time and make you go back again and again to read it. A truly beautiful book!
December 9, 2019
I couldn’t put this beautiful book of poetry down. The prose flow and you can feel every word. It touches your soul. A must read for everyone, poetry lover or not.
January 5, 2020
Good read. Repeat read. Her poetry is like a song.
January 14, 2020
Quick read! Honest and raw and some really deep moments that makes one think aNd reflect! Good poetry and I would read more as she writes it!
November 20, 2020
Powerful; raw and soft. Thank you for sharing.
February 25, 2021
Heart felt, beautiful and deeply touching.
February 12, 2020
Very heartfelt ♥️
December 3, 2019
I couldn’t put this book down. Raw, honest and beautifully written. Marjerrison talks so openly and honestly about her grief and I couldn’t stop reading her poems because she gave words to feelings I could never describe. Succinct, heartbreaking, inspiring.. and what it means to be human.
December 20, 2019
I enjoyed this collection. Heart breaking at times and many poems resonated with me. The only critique I have is that I feel "Sex" in the title does not seem to fit with the collection itself?
December 7, 2019
Lara Marjerrison is raw and honest, and uses her words beautifully to express the pain and beauty of her experiences. Very visceral and one can easily relate to the vulnerability of life circumstances. A powerful read.
January 31, 2021
Beautifully raw, purely magical ♥️
February 13, 2020
First of all, the introduction on Grief & Loss & Love & Sex is completely heart-breaking. HEARTBREAKING.
Lara tells of the devastating death of her sister, Catherine, to mental illness.
The poetry within, tells of her encompassing grief and her journey through other relationships in her life.
Lara Margaret Marjerrison’s 38 poem book is one I plan on keeping for years to come; right next to my other beloved poetry books that are always kept within an arms length
Lara tells of the devastating death of her sister, Catherine, to mental illness.
The poetry within, tells of her encompassing grief and her journey through other relationships in her life.
Lara Margaret Marjerrison’s 38 poem book is one I plan on keeping for years to come; right next to my other beloved poetry books that are always kept within an arms length
March 20, 2023
4.5. Thank you for this. My heart needed this today.
August 3, 2022
This is just really was not for me. I also do not feel the poetry itself is very strong. I can however empathise with her loss
August 11, 2022
I was cleaning my office space today which has been unused pretty much since the beginning of 2020, but we will be going back soon and tidying seemed like a good idea. I found this book and my name was in it, I checked my orders and sure enough I bought it Jan 2020. Why I have no idea, the title perhaps? There was a book mark in the middle of the book but I had not started reading it yet until today. I would not consider myself a poet or even so much into poetry but it is very lovely, tugged at your heartstrings, you can really feel the deep sadness and loss Lara feels and her healing, hope. Every line could mean something to all of us, at some point in our lives. I liked AH HA Moments "I need to get out of my head more" I do...I think I think too much sometimes. Eleuthera was a bit fun for me, as a kid I was there, on my way to Spanish Wells....not many people had heard of these Islands back in the late 70's. A healing place for sure. I am glad I tidied and found this
February 19, 2020
How do you deal with grief and loss? Lara Margaret Marjerrison shares her heart-wrenching experience, and her work to deal and to live and to thrive 💕
grief & loss & love & sex is more than a book of poetry. It is a laying bare of the soul, a finding of truths, a search for light. It is a quick read, and it is a book I don’t think I will ever stop reading. I am fortunate that Lara crossed my path last summer, and that I can share her work with you. I highly encourage you to check out this book.
grief & loss & love & sex is more than a book of poetry. It is a laying bare of the soul, a finding of truths, a search for light. It is a quick read, and it is a book I don’t think I will ever stop reading. I am fortunate that Lara crossed my path last summer, and that I can share her work with you. I highly encourage you to check out this book.
May 13, 2024
First book of poems for me . The poems flow, could not put it down . My heart broke when I read the introduction about what led to this collection.
Will keep this gem close by to pick up when my own grief shows up with banners flying, and I will be able to calm her down to retreat again.
Will keep this gem close by to pick up when my own grief shows up with banners flying, and I will be able to calm her down to retreat again.
January 3, 2020
A minority view but I found this poetry banal and uncompelling. I am not a fan of Atticus and his ilk - I do think Marjerrison's work can be grouped in this category. Pleae check out some of our other Canadian poets like M. Travis Lane, Gwendolyn Macewen or P. K. Page for comparison.
May 13, 2021
A deeply personal collection of poetry about the loss of Marjerrison’s sister. Personally, I found it a bit hard to relate to as I have not experienced a loss such as this but it was a beautiful read none the less.
January 21, 2025
Bit of a depressing poetry book
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews