The cover art of Concupiscent Consumption reminds me of all the vampire books I would read when I was younger. Even the name Concupiscent Consumption evokes an early 90’s vampire book feel. The single graphic inside depicting an apple, a snake, and an outline of two people continue to match this aesthetic.
Artistically, this book is for me.
Reading through the book, I would have to say these are wonderful poems. The very first poem in the book [about pinch kisses endured by children] probably the weakest but they get better as you read through. The one setback is that this book is 20 pages of actual poetry. I spoke some with the author about this- she had written the 18 steamy poems when she saw “the call to submit” from Red Ferret Press / Weasel press in March 2019. Their requirement stated their chapbook conditions: 24 pages. This book was going to either be a chapbook (Under 32 pages), or not exist at all.
Another book of LindaAnn LoSchiavo is 50 pages (lower price as well). it’s just as well written and it would be hard not to recommend that book over this one and afterward if you like it read this one.
Eighteen out of twenty of these pages are just fantastically erotic– easily the sexiest poetry I’ve ever read. I have to admit to allure people with words alone, especially in a poetry format, is hard. It calls to cultural marks that I know very well- right down to Cupid and Psyche. It has a motion blur of visual cues to its words that are distinct in bringing the right memories forward.
This is a great gift to a girlfriend who doesn’t read- it is definitely set to the female’s point of view and is definitely more geared for a female audience.
Excerpt from My Dominatrix
“He’s staring at my breasts. They;re needling him,Restrained and forced to obey whips and canes,Skyscraper pain controlling time lust topped.Men tell me I’m good at this. I skim… “
The poem’s loose autobiography writing style gives a feeling of authenticity, as well as conjure up memories of your own past in them.
To sum this up clearly, it is an amazing book that is just too short. It is nice that it doesn’t keep the padding you see with many poetry books, but it seems like this is a strong opening to a poetry compendium rather than it’s own book.
I’d recommend exploring her other works, and if you like those, coming back and buying this one later. I’d imagine if I were older and I read less I would also appreciate the brevity, especially if given as a gift.
LindaAnn LoSchiavo’s website is currently down (Will be back up soon!)
Review of Concupiscent Consumption by Poetry Magazine
Amazon Link for Concupiscent Consumption
Author’s LindaAnn LoSchiavo Interview with Colleen Anderson
LindaAnn LoSchiavo Amazon Page
