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Monarch Child
Nineteen memoir poems about international child trafficking. These poems explore the earliest experiences of a small child subject to organised abuse. A searing, dazzling and uncomfortable insight into a world rarely shared. At least £1 from every copy sold goes to the charity STOP THE TRAFFIK because people shouldn't be bought and sold.
These poems may be upsetting or triggering.
These poems may be upsetting or triggering.
30 pages, Paperback
Published December 31, 2024
3 people want to read
About the author
Jen If
1 book4 followersJen If is a writer and survivor of childhood SRA/MC and sex-trafficking which she didn't fully escape until around the age of twenty-six. She has a degree in English Literature and a Masters in Creative Writing.
Join the newsletter for practical tips about healing from trauma and developing self-compassion (the newsletter is where most of the Beta Readers for Monarch Child came from) Join here https://www.jen-if.co.uk/contact
Join the newsletter for practical tips about healing from trauma and developing self-compassion (the newsletter is where most of the Beta Readers for Monarch Child came from) Join here https://www.jen-if.co.uk/contact
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 22, 2025
4.25💫
I received this as an ARC—thank you to the author for the opportunity. Monarch Child is an engaging and thought-provoking collection of poems that feels like part of a larger, deeply personal story. Themes of trauma, violence, and their lasting repercussions ripple throughout, making it an emotionally intense read. While some individual pieces went over my head (likely a personal shortcoming rather than a fault of the work), they still contributed to the overall impact. Perhaps between this and my next reading, I’ll uncover more of what escaped me the first time.
I ingested the collection in a single night, though I had to take breaks to process and calm down, as a few moments brought on more than just a touch of anxiety. Next time, I plan to read it slower to savor and absorb it more fully.
A surprising delight was the inclusion of more modern, differently arranged pieces. As someone new to poetry, I wasn’t expecting them, but they added depth and variety to the collection. In fact, Monarch Child has sparked a newfound enthusiasm for poetry as a whole.
The subject matter is undeniably raw and unforgiving, making this a difficult but vital read. The writing style is strong and agreeable, allowing the themes to come through clearly without losing their emotional resonance.
I’m not sure who I’d specifically recommend this to, but I believe Monarch Child is an important work that deserves to be read. For anyone willing to confront its raw truths, it has much to offer—both in reflection and in appreciation of poetry as a medium for storytelling.
I received this as an ARC—thank you to the author for the opportunity. Monarch Child is an engaging and thought-provoking collection of poems that feels like part of a larger, deeply personal story. Themes of trauma, violence, and their lasting repercussions ripple throughout, making it an emotionally intense read. While some individual pieces went over my head (likely a personal shortcoming rather than a fault of the work), they still contributed to the overall impact. Perhaps between this and my next reading, I’ll uncover more of what escaped me the first time.
I ingested the collection in a single night, though I had to take breaks to process and calm down, as a few moments brought on more than just a touch of anxiety. Next time, I plan to read it slower to savor and absorb it more fully.
A surprising delight was the inclusion of more modern, differently arranged pieces. As someone new to poetry, I wasn’t expecting them, but they added depth and variety to the collection. In fact, Monarch Child has sparked a newfound enthusiasm for poetry as a whole.
The subject matter is undeniably raw and unforgiving, making this a difficult but vital read. The writing style is strong and agreeable, allowing the themes to come through clearly without losing their emotional resonance.
I’m not sure who I’d specifically recommend this to, but I believe Monarch Child is an important work that deserves to be read. For anyone willing to confront its raw truths, it has much to offer—both in reflection and in appreciation of poetry as a medium for storytelling.
January 1, 2025
ARC reader.
This is an incredibly difficult read. The subject of each poem leaves a lasting impression but the stark imagery and the crafting of words are powerful on their own. If you read these poems, prepare for the rage and heartbreak you will feel. Knowing this is a survivors story of human trafficking and abuse is all the more emotional. I hope all survivors continue to grow in strength as they free themselves of the animals that commit heinous crimes like the ones described in this collection. “So Over The Rainbow” is the one that stuck out to me. I liked the style of the poem and the way I had to read it a few times. I felt like I was twisting in the wind with the ribbon, unsure which way is up. It was such a clever way to put you in the shoes of the author. Confused and lost and scared.
I can’t wait to give me own mum a big hug and thank her for being the most amazing woman in the world because to read about a mother doing this goes against nature. Mothers are supposed to protect and nurture not this.
Thank you to the author for not only allowing me to read an ARC but for writing such a poignant and powerful insight into what your life was like. It’s not something I will ever be able to fully understand, and I hope many others will not either but I have so much love and respect for you and your journey.
This is an incredibly difficult read. The subject of each poem leaves a lasting impression but the stark imagery and the crafting of words are powerful on their own. If you read these poems, prepare for the rage and heartbreak you will feel. Knowing this is a survivors story of human trafficking and abuse is all the more emotional. I hope all survivors continue to grow in strength as they free themselves of the animals that commit heinous crimes like the ones described in this collection. “So Over The Rainbow” is the one that stuck out to me. I liked the style of the poem and the way I had to read it a few times. I felt like I was twisting in the wind with the ribbon, unsure which way is up. It was such a clever way to put you in the shoes of the author. Confused and lost and scared.
I can’t wait to give me own mum a big hug and thank her for being the most amazing woman in the world because to read about a mother doing this goes against nature. Mothers are supposed to protect and nurture not this.
Thank you to the author for not only allowing me to read an ARC but for writing such a poignant and powerful insight into what your life was like. It’s not something I will ever be able to fully understand, and I hope many others will not either but I have so much love and respect for you and your journey.
January 9, 2025
I received an ARC from the author to review.
It is quite difficult to put into words the impression these poems made on me. The author, Jen If, has such an amazing way painting a picture with words, leaving it to the reader’s imagination to fill in the blank spaces between them.
I also really appreciate the way the author made use of the space on the pages themselves, forming a visual representation to reinforce what was written.
Each poem was beautiful and heartfelt in its own right. Mostly “Like Mother, Like Daughter” and “Art” left me shattered. I felt the rage of betrayal by your own parents, and a deep sadness for all the children going through this trauma..
Thank you so much for allowing me to review this book and I strongly recommend to read it.
It is quite difficult to put into words the impression these poems made on me. The author, Jen If, has such an amazing way painting a picture with words, leaving it to the reader’s imagination to fill in the blank spaces between them.
I also really appreciate the way the author made use of the space on the pages themselves, forming a visual representation to reinforce what was written.
Each poem was beautiful and heartfelt in its own right. Mostly “Like Mother, Like Daughter” and “Art” left me shattered. I felt the rage of betrayal by your own parents, and a deep sadness for all the children going through this trauma..
Thank you so much for allowing me to review this book and I strongly recommend to read it.
January 9, 2025
Such a beautiful book of poetry!! Very heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time!! Very well written!!!
January 24, 2025
This slim volume of poetry is a testament to all survivors and a cry for help from those still caught in such an insidious trafficking industry.
I cried on the inside as I read these poems. So much is not said and is just as important as the words on the page. Another part of me wanted to take action to end this abuse.
If you are a survivor heed the warning in the front of the book.
I cried on the inside as I read these poems. So much is not said and is just as important as the words on the page. Another part of me wanted to take action to end this abuse.
If you are a survivor heed the warning in the front of the book.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews