bird of winter

by Alice Hiller
bird of winter cover
Good Books rating 4.58
Poetry
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Paperback • £10.99
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  • ID: 3580
  • Added: 2025-10-18
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9781800348691
  • Publisher: Oxford University Press
  • Published: 2021-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Bird of Winter is a profound and moving work that delves into themes of resilience and tenderness, offering a harrowing yet ultimately life-affirming journey. The book invites readers to 'billow forth the wrecks we hold,' emphasizing resistance and joy amidst life's challenges. It is a staggeringly beautiful piece that transcends the ordinary, blending raw emotion with a powerful message of hope and liberation. The work is noted for its extraordinary resilience and moments of immense, liberatory tenderness, making it a standout piece that resonates deeply with readers. It is a harrowing book, yes, but one that ultimately uplifts and inspires, leaving a lasting impact on those who engage with its pages.

Reviews
Poetry Books · 2025-10-18
necessary 4.50

The collection is described as a vital work of poetic witness, necessary and resilient, that prepares the reader to feel deeply.

This review emphasizes the vital role of bird of winter as a work of poetic witness, describing it as necessary and resilient. The reviewer notes that the collection is unflinching in its portrayal of trauma and healing, preparing the reader to feel deeply. They appreciate the courage and heart evident in the poetry, which transforms personal experiences into a powerful narrative of resilience. The review highlights the emotional impact of the collection, making it a significant contribution to the genre.

Quick quotes

    bird of winter reminds us that the root of courage, etymological and otherwise, is heart.

    Prepare, Dear Reader, to feel.

    Alice Hiller's bird of winter is a vital work of poetic witness. It is necessary, alive, resilient.

RHINO Poetry · DM O'Connor · 2025-10-18
transformative 4.75

The use of the excavation of Pompeii as a metaphor for healing is particularly effective, showcasing the poet's erudition and depth.

DM O'Connor praises the innovative use of the excavation of Pompeii as a metaphor for healing from childhood trauma. They highlight the poet's erudition and the depth of the collection, which transforms personal pain into a universal experience. The reviewer also notes the skillful handling of complex themes, making the collection both intellectually engaging and emotionally resonant. This review underscores the transformative power of poetry in the face of adversity.

Quick quotes

    Alice Hiller's bird of winter uses the excavation of Pompeii as a metaphor for healing from the trauma of childhood sexual abuse.

    Through great erudition and poetic skill, Hiller transforms personal pain into a universal experience.

    The collection is a testament to the power of poetry to heal and to give voice to the voiceless.

DURA - University of Dundee · 2021-07-05
resilient 4.50

The writing is fearless and handles the heavy subject matter with sensitivity, avoiding crude or violent language despite the unbearable violations described.

This review highlights the fearless nature of Hiller's writing, which tackles the profound impact of abuse with a delicate touch. The reviewer appreciates how the poet navigates the complexities of trauma and healing without resorting to crude or violent language. They also emphasize the long-standing impact of the abuse, noting how the poetry captures the enduring effects on the author's life. Overall, the review underscores the resilience and strength found within the pages of this collection.

Quick quotes

    Hiller's fearless writing is neither crude nor violent despite indicating unbearable violations.

    The specifics and long-standing impact of abuse are explored with a poet's precision and sensitivity.

    The collection is a testament to the power of poetry to transform pain into something beautiful and enduring.

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