With kind permission from my dear friend Ese, I’m happy to post her review of my book HAIKU RHAPSODIES. I had earlier given Ese an Advanced Review Copy. 🙂
Dear Celestine,
It has been some time since I received your book on my email – thank you very much for thinking of me and sending it! It really means a lot and is appreciated, hugely.
I do apologize for my delay though, reading it but with various things piling up… Anyway, I needed that time to come…for myself, to be able to just sit down and read it, slowly, feeling all the colors, scents, tastes, hearing all the notes, letting them all melt together and sink in. Knowing you a bit and the way you write, I was looking forward to be able to enjoy the whole book instead of separate haiku I have read on your blog before.
Now, after the last page of “Haiku Rhapsodies” has been read, I must say it truly was such a beautiful experience, a journey “through” everything, dear to your heart and soul. You do paint the pictures with words so vividly that for the one never been in Ghana (like me), now it feels like I have. Even if for a brief moment, feeling aromas, hearing birds and cicadas, chatter of children, walking through a market, “Hosanna” resonating in the church walls, noticing almost “live scenes” of nature, God’ s presence in our lives and human life itself – with not only light but also heavier moments that are inevitable. Yes, I even had that a bit naughty, yet so sensual peek through your bedroom window! 😉
There is so much love, appreciation and kindness in your haiku that really embraced and moved me. And your lovely wit that always makes me smile…it definitely did. I honestly don’t believe your haiku can leave anyone indifferent. Thank you for this unique experience, my dear friend!
how long
to wait for your return
the mangoes bloom
PS: Keep writing…!
PPS: I wrote some haiku down…for me…like I do with lines from the books I read. Will just copy them here that you know the ones that will be saved in my “Quote Notebook”. It really exists, handwritten, thought by thought, through years. Handwriting slightly changes but appreciation for beautiful thoughts never does.
noon heat
a lizard basks
in yesterday’ s raindrops
how long
to wait for your return
the mangoes bloom
reflection
my mother stares
back at me
the night
in flames
fireflies
reckless night
the moon
goes pale
raindrops
ticking off the days
to Easter
freezing cold
the warm breath
of dying love
Note: Haiku Rhapsodies will soonest be on Amazon!!!
Reading Pleasure 
Oh I did not know that you had written a book… congratulations
Ow, Bjorn, it’s been quite a while. Thanks a million. 🙂
With such encouragement such as this, and such high praise, my only thought for you is all the success and happiness you truly deserve. You need to be very proud of yourself for such an accomplishment. May you continue to write and to publish …. You are an inspiration to all of us!!! ❤
Ow, Amy, what lovely words. Thank you so much my friend. You all inspire me in various ways, I can assure you. 🙂 ❤
Loving your haiku more and more!
Glad to hear this, Risa. It will soon be on Amazon. 🙂
P.S. — I’d really like it if you could come on over HERE and give me your critical feedback. I like writing haiku too, though they’re not striking as yours are.
This is such a brilliant review, Celestine. May your haiku continue to delight and touch others. All best!
Thank you so much, Khaya. Soon to be on Amazon. 🙂
Ese is a very discerning woman.
I agree, hundred percent. 🙂
Thank you, my dear friend! It really was a pleasure…
Ah, the pleasure is mine as well. Ese darling. Will send you a mail soonest. 🙂
What a lovely review! It’s always wonderful when others appreciate and resonate with what we write and publish 🙂
Thank you so much, Joanna. 🙂
way to go girl!
Thank you my friend 🙂