Flux
October 24, 2017
I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Flux is a somber narrative, an ode to change, a collection of poetry and prose written from the many states of grief over a broken heart. With original illustrations by artist Katie Roberts, Orion Carloto creates a dream world for the brokenhearted and paints a whimsical picture around the themes of love, loss, solitude, depression, sex, nostalgia, and unrequited romance. Flux takes readers through a raw and sorrowful journey of each and every bitter moment of heartbreak. Forewarning, Flux is best read with a warm cup of coffee in hand.
“Indulge in these words as if they were meant for you”
As a huge fan of Orion Carloto, I almost graciously danced around my bedroom when this book landed in my hands.
I’ve been obsessed with Orion’s work since I was a sophomore in high school. She was everything my fifteen year old self wanted to be. She made witty Youtube videos, had the most cohesive Instagram feed I had ever seen, and her writing could be found all over the internet. Her words always ended up on my Tumblr dashboard or retweeted all over Twitter. She then became a writer for the online magazine Local Wolves, which made me love her even more.
Because of all of this, my expectations were high. However, when I finished this book, which I read in one sitting, I was left feeling a little underwhelmed. Although there are some beautiful and magical pieces of prose, I gave it 3 stars because I felt as though her poetry fell flat and her distinct style was missing.
Flux is not your typical poetry and prose book. It is told through a series of poems, prose, illustrations, quotes, polaroids, and handwritten entries, which made it feel quite personal. The book felt like an ode to the writings of Lang Leav and Michael Faudet, two writers I am also a fan of.
I truly adored all of the little details Orion stitched together. The overall vibe of the book was prominent; It’s something you would want to read at 2AM with a cup of Earl Gray tea, a cozy blanket, and Bon Iver songs playing on your speaker.
I found a lot of her prose to be quotable and relatable. Her ability to recount even the tiniest of features from her relationship was what stood out to me as a reader. I felt like an observer of her world or as if I was watching a film and she was the star of it.
I really wish I could say the same about her poems. Many of the verses felt generic and cliche, leaving me to turn the page without feeling any kind of emotion or connection.
I am completely aware this is a book about love and heartbreak, but I wish it delved in more on the topic of self-love and finding yourself again after the relationship ends. The book focused heavily on a serious breakup and abruptly ended with her falling in love with someone new.
If you are going through a breakup and need some words to guide you through it, I suggest you pick up a copy of Flux. However, if you’re in the mood for a more meaningful and life-changing poetry book, I would advise you skip this one.
xoxo,
Eliz