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*Winter White*
by Vivien Steels
25 poems/17 illustrations/21 pages
Price UK: £4.00/$6 (inc. postage)
Price Abroad: £5.50/$8.50 (inc. postage)
Vivi*Press, Colwick, Nottingham UK
Vivi*Press Poetry.
Review by: Phibby Venable

With winter blowing coldly throughout most of the country, Vivien Steels releases a new book of poetry and illustrations, to warm the spirit.

In her new book, *Winter White* , Vivien demonstrates her amazing dual talents with finesse in both drawings and words. In her poem, 'White', we are offered a magical array of sheep, foam, milky mists and an opal moon, that stagger the senses with a mystical softness. Just as we are losing ourselves in the dreamy atmosphere, we are swiftly brought back to reality in a heartbreaking poem, 'Bread of Life', in which a tiny baby is abandoned in the snow. All ends well, but not before we are presented with an array of the finest images and the photographic warmth of her words.
 
Vivien's art is very strong and visual, but retains a delicate beauty that is a pleasure to view. In her work it is difficult to know which she envisions first, for one compliments the other perfectly. Her beautiful words capture the reader's inner eye as often as the illustrations.  Both reveal a woman who is a natural, undeniably talented, weaver in both genres.
 
The poem 'Lone Wolf' is a beautiful tribute to an animal that is often hunted and hated.  Vivien's view, however, arouses a compassion in the reader for this fine animal that is only following its natural instincts. I love the following lines...
 
              There is no heart for the female wolf –
              Thin, skeletal, birthing seven cubs,
              Running near domesticated sheep,
              Sides heaving to find food –
              Finding only the dead end of a bullet.
              There is no heart.
 
The illustration for this poem, 'Grey Wolf' depicts a grey wolf, staring out from snow-laden boughs of pine. Majestic and proud, it also holds an expression of innocence – after all – it has no plan of arousing man's anger, and has no idea when it does.
 
Vivien's sensitivity with words and visuals is striking. She conveys a unique understanding of the natural world, the ordinary, and the spiritual. My personal favorite is the poem, 'Germaine'. The poem captures the life of Germaine Cousin, later known as St Germaine of Pibrac (1579 - 1601). Germaine was an abused child who endured tremendous hardships, yet maintained a deep love of God, and an optimistic heart. She was inscribed in the lists of saints by Pope Pius IX, in 1867. The poem fits in well with this book that honors the downtrodden and the innocent. Vivien reaches for the finest in the human heart and nudges it toward brotherhood. Her work has keen insight and champions the underdog.
 
The prospective reader is dazzled in *Winter White*, by the strength of her sheer perspectives, both psychological and earthy. This book offers the opportunity to experience a cold and barren landscape that is completely unthawed by the dignity and beauty of Vivien's all seeing eyes.
 


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