Book Review

The Salamander Chronicles by Don Beukes is a collection of poems that would appeal most to an audience of adults who enjoy poetry; though some mature young adults might also enjoy the collection. The Salamander Chronicles comprises many different poems that all have their own themes. The themes range from oppression, bullying, politics, globalism, sexism, abuse, birth, death, all the way to refugees.

The Salamander Chronicles is clearly written by both a talented and passionate poet. The first thing about The Salamander Chronicles that pulled me in was the beautifully done cover; I felt like the cover gave me a snapshot into the type of environment that the poems would be taking me. An aspect of these poems that made them enjoyable to me is that Don Beukes uses fast paced rhythms; this gives the poems a fast moving feel, which served to draw me in deeper and deeper. I liked the fact that the poems drew on Don Beukes’ personal experiences from when he lived in South Africa.

While I found most of the poems to be both interesting and moving, my favorite was, by far, Emergence. I recently lost my grandfather so when I read this poem I felt that not only could I understand its message, but also that its message was something I could seek to apply in my own life. Overall, I found the poems to be moving and insightful. I feel inspired by them and I am so very glad that I got the chance to read them.

Reviewed by Sefina Hawke for Readers’ Favorite

About the Author

Mr. Don Beukes is a retired teacher of English and Geography. Originally from Cape Town in South Africa, he grew up in the shadow of Table Mountain, always aspiring to achieve the best in life, despite living in a racially divided country. He lives by his favorite motto ‘Carpe Diem’ and endeavors to seize every opportunity in life to make the most of each day. This also filters through to his poetry, attempting to adjust our moral compass in our ever-changing global village. He enjoys gardening and is a keen amateur photographer.

Visit Don’s Author Page At: www.ctupublishinggroup.com/don-beukes-.html

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