All Day Long I Dream About Sirens
Domenica Martello
Reading the back of the book, I take note that it is described as a retelling of epics involving sirens and mermaids.
There is no introduction, and it jumps right into the poetry- discussing a commute in Seattle. I am left feeling a little disjointed with the wording on the back of the book vs the modern day tale I’m presented with. I’m assuming this will make sense later- this isn’t really a negative to the book itself- just something I will want to take note that I would not like this for any book I would ever put out. As I learn more about publishing houses jobs to proof read and edit, this critique might fall best on Coach House Books and not the author.
The Opening “O’ Commuter” is telling the vantage point of a modern day person looking out at the Starbucks logo. The first official section continues with this line of discussion- talking about the Starbucks logo and its thoughts on rebranding.
I continue reading through the first third. He is very heavy in the pitter patter of language, placing spaces that forces me to pause where I assume he means for me to pause. It becomes very clear to me that this book was meant to be read aloud.
It becomes very clear to me that this is a written poetry slam. I immediately put down the book and make sure to locate the fire exits.
Needless to say, I despise this book up to this point. It keeps proper themes I guess, but simply saying an ocean thing within the context of a modern thing does not make this siren themed. Perhaps what makes this even more jarring is how well the outside cover and the back of the book described this as- well not something else. Just something more epic. Seriously you guys I wish I could read it to you out loud and give you my own comedic breaks and commentary.
Needless to say, it’s already doing much better than most poetry books because at least one person has bought this. Not half way through the book it reference Jung and “God is dead”. Also Jesus for some reason. I believe this author was 26 when writing this, perhaps his age really shows in my reading. You can’t just say mermaid in the middle of a bible thing to have it be about mermaids. The metaphor is the mermaid in the tale.
The entirety of page 69 is 4 words.
“Peace Adam Piece Eve”
Saving grace of the book is the poem “Disney Song” which sets out to be what I expected the entire book to be. Its not amazing but I think is the best few pages of the whole book.
20/100, do not buy unless you run a YouTube channel where you make fun of bad book because this is gold.
