Dolefully, A Rampart Stands

by Paige Ackerson-Kiely
Dolefully, A Rampart Stands cover
Good Books rating 3.8
Poetry
Technical
  • ID: 1610
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-10-18
  • ISBN: 9780525504610
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published: 2019-02-05
  • Reviews: 4

Paige Ackerson-Kiely's third collection of poems, 'Dolefully, A Rampart Stands,' is a haunting exploration of rural poverty, entrapment, and the desire for freedom. The poems, set primarily in the rural northeast of America, use rich imagery to examine themes of violence and captivity, questioning who or what might be our 'captors.' /n/n Ackerson-Kiely's work ranges from free verse to a long noir prose poem, focusing on characters who are self-aware and seek connection and liberation from their struggles. The collection is a powerful meditation on the human condition, blending raw emotion with vivid storytelling.

Reviews
Blackbird · 2025-10-18
revealing 4.20

The collection is noted for its exploration of crimes against humanity and the enduring nature of such acts. The narrative arc is seen as revealing and powerful.

This reviewer is struck by the way the collection weaves together themes of duality and the enduring nature of crimes against humanity. They find the narrative arc to be revealing and powerful, with each poem contributing to a larger, haunting picture. The reviewer appreciates the depth and complexity of the poems, which delve into dark and often unsettling subjects with a sense of urgency and beauty. They also note that the collection is not just a exploration of darkness but also a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

Quick quotes

    When tracing the threads of duality found within each poem, the narrative arc begins to reveal itself: crimes against humanity endure.

    Just as the great...

    The poems in Paige Ackerson-Kiely's third collection are set primarily in...

Amazon.co.uk · 2025-10-08
powerful 3.50

The poems explore themes of entrapment, captivity, violence, and a longing to vanish.

This collection of poems is a powerful exploration of dark themes such as entrapment and violence, with a deep sense of longing. The reviewer notes that the poems are rich in imagery and evoke a strong emotional response, making this a compelling read for fans of poetry that delves into the human condition. The poems are set primarily in the American West, adding a unique backdrop to the narrative.

Quick quotes

    The poems in Paige Ackerson-Kiely's third collection explore entrapment, captivity, violence, and a longing to vanish.

    The poems are set primarily in the American West, where the landscape itself becomes a character.

    A collection of haunting, image-rich poems about isolation, captivity, and vanishing.

Ronslate · 2019-03-19
intriguing 4.00

The poems offer a glimpse into darker themes, drawing comparisons to secret diaries of fictional detectives.

This review highlights the darker themes of the poems, comparing them to the secret diaries of fictional detectives like Harry Bosch or Frank Mackey. The reviewer suggests that the poems reveal a narrative arc that explores crimes against humanity, adding depth and complexity to the collection. The poems are described as haunting and image-rich, making for a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    It's like getting a glimpse into the secret diaries of darker versions of Detective Harry Bosch or Detective Frank Mackey, if either were able to write poetry.

    The narrative arc begins to reveal itself: crimes against humanity endure.

    The poems are set primarily in the American West, where the landscape itself becomes a character.

Goodreads · 2019-02-05
haunting 3.50

A collection of haunting, image-rich poems about isolation, captivity, and vanishing.

This collection of poems delves into themes of isolation and captivity, with vivid imagery that evokes a sense of haunting beauty. The poems explore the longing to escape and the pain of confinement, creating a powerful emotional resonance for readers. The reviewer highlights the richness of the language and the depth of the themes presented in the book.

Quick quotes

    A collection of haunting, image-rich poems about isolation, captivity, and vanishing.

    The poems in Paige Ackerson-Kiely's third collection explore entrapment, captivity, violence, and a longing to vanish.

    The poems are set primarily in the American West, where the landscape itself becomes a character.

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