The volume is about relations, connectedness and existential questions.
The poems in Love's Thrilling Dimensions are written to stir the heart and soul. They seek to search for a connection between memory, thoughts, feelings, sensory experience and reality. They explore such universal themes as the longing for love, the awakening of wonder, the magic of encounters, the uniqueness of journeys, the ambiguity of a few existential questions and the different changes that can occur in the inner and outer landscapes. The readers witness mostly the alchemy, power and triumph of love in a transforming and spiritual journey of discovery and are invited to contemplate its significance in their own lives.
Professional Reviews
Feathered Quill Book Reviews (January 22 2009)
Perhaps poetry is the highest written form of love. In Love's Thrilling Dimensions, Joyce Akesson proves this point. With care and tenderness, this Swedish writer doles out a collection of poetry that is thoughtful and thought provoking, with a voice that is full of spirit and pleasant rhythm.
At a fundamental level, the collection explores the many dimensions of love and what it is to be human. Akesson travels through hopes and fears in the face of love, yet she also delves into existential questions that many readers will appreciate. She easily flows between asking, "Are we playing at something/or are we doing it for real?" and more figurative concepts like that of Chaos who "sometimes glares at the world/while smoking his cigar." There are many moments like these that grant depth to her work beyond the surface features of love.
Speaking from personal experience, although I imagine many will agree, poetry about love definitely has its ideal moments to be consumed. After a break up I will probably reach for a dose of Rumi, or during a loving relationship I will feel motivated to pen a love poem for a partner. In the meantime, even though I am not one to necessarily gravitate to a collection about love, this book still has a relevant place on my current shelf. Despite being in a life phase in search of love, my romantic and tormented soul still appreciates stanzas like "Who would have known/that a kiss could quench my thirst/like this?" or
You are at the mercy of this consuming love,
this heartless thief named passion,
who with a joyless eye,
unlocks your heart,
penetrates your mind
and devours your soul
from the inside out.
Ultimately Love's Thrilling Dimensions is an enjoyable float through well-crafted phrases, appealing cadence, and expressive emotion. Akesson shares truths about life and love in a way that reflects modern life and is embraceable by modern audiences.
Quill says: A tasty recipe of sweetness, pain, and pleasure.
Irene Watson for Reader Views (January 22 2009)
What a wonderful book of poetry to touch the heart, deepen the spirit, and stir up the emotions! Joyce
Akesson, gifted poet and extraordinaire, puts into words not many have the talent to achieve. Her writing is
clear, profound, and creative, while at the same time poignant.
Out of the many pieces Akesson portrays in her book, it’s hard to find a favorite because I could say many are
my favorite. However, there is one that stands out in my mind, and I’ve re-read it several times; each time
getting a deeper meaning. It is:
“A Place
We should find a place
in which your freedom
and my freedom
can enjoy being together
without risking
that your light
becomes my light’s prisoner
or that my visions
become your visions’ predators.
…Each one of us
will become a soul
filled with energy;
flexible,
playful
and adventurous
with unlimited possibilities
and fantasies.
And we will love
each other’s eyes,
laughter, words,
silences, forces,
and weaknesses,
unconditionally.”
If you are a lover of poetry, I highly suggest you check out “Love’s Thrilling Dimensions” by Joyce Akesson.
I can guarantee you will be totally immersed into a world of its’ own.
Dear readers, this is my third book of poems, and inside are a special collection of what have turned out to be not only MY personal favorites, but also the favorites of many of YOU. Some of these have never been available in print before...