Already Knew You Were Coming

by Sarah Nwafor

Sarah Nnenna Loveth Nwafor's debut chapbook Already Knew You Were Coming is a tender exploration of loneliness, queer identity, and codependance. With words which pierce the heart and pump fresh blood to the senses, Sarah moves us across timelines and transports us to worlds where the moon talks back and banshees declare revolution with Bitterlemon and kola nut in hand. This collection shows us how to bring compassion to all the iterations of one's spirit, and leaves you with affirmations of your future-self whispering in the winds. Praise for this book and the magic it evokes! Cover by Mar Spragge!

Genres: Poetry

Unknown Binding

Published January 1, 2022

Reviews

[Keana Labra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through lineage, exploration, and astrology, Sarah Nnenna Loveth Nwafor illustrates the origin of their self. Through the magic and beauty of being Black, Igbo, and queer, we learn that these aspects of Nwafor are inextricable and integral to their fullest self. Despite facing the cruelties, Nwafor responds with gentleness and tenderness. Never do they forgive what was done to them; they aspire to become the queer elder they didn’t have. As a gender fluid, fem nonbinary person who experienced childhood as a girl, I greatly resonated with and was touched by the tenderness with which Nwafor communes with their inner child, especially in “A Statement on My Gender in Spite of White People Who Don’t Understand.” With this collection, their stance is clear. They waste nothing to hate. Instead, there are spells for healing, time, and the self. They give their energy back to themselves, back to love, and to the descendants who will follow.

[Brooke Goodwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poetry books that include culture always so fascinating! I don’t know anything about Igbo culture (or where it’s from or what the culture’s like) but I could feel the connectedness in the author’s poems.

My favorite poem is My Middle-School-Self Took Me to Church. The reference to One Direction was cool, as was the relationship in the poem! And Poem by My Pussy Hairs was surprisingly intriguing. I mean, the title alone piqued my interest lol

I definitely connected more to the style of Nnenna than I expected. They have a curious way of looking at things that I enjoyed.

[Clove · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a beautiful collection of poetry that feels so intimate. i appreciate nwafor’s journey of finding peace, sense of self, and independence all while relying on their ancestors. as soon as i finished it i started reading it again

[KB Brookins · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely beautiful debut chapbook by an author I will keeo up with. so much love to them for sharing their words!

[Priscilla (Bookie Charm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars*