My heart is full of Emeralds

By Clarissa McFairy

Here we have a quite exceptional poet, Clarissa McFairy -one deserving of international acclaim. Her latest book, My Heart is full of Emeralds is a most welcome addition to her last poetry collection, Strange Bedfellows.
I found her new book to be as fulfilling as a good novel, though many of the poems (and prose pieces) reflect her own life experiences, and her keen observation of those around her.
All 17 chapters are rich in imagery, sometimes vivid, sometimes subtle as a watercolour. I was dazzled at times by her palette of words.
I didn't merely READ her poems. I admired them as one admires a collection of paintings, taking in the use of colour, balance and the diversity of topics, from Memoirs of a Mermaid to Coffee Shop Musings and her ever-present Love Affair with Words. The book title is taken from an ode to her grandmother.
McFairy (pen name of South African writer, Clare van der Gaast) has a passion for language, including for French, and paints with words. Images float easily from her lines, be they profoundly moving or light-hearted. An enchanting book to read - and to re-read.
James Clarke, author and literary critic

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0639793517
• ISBN13: 9780639793511
• Release Date: October 2023
• Publisher: Lavendermoon Publishers
• Length: 116 Pages
• Weight: 0.36 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 6.0" x 9.0"