Does It Look Like Her?, by Melanie Faith, is a striking poetry collection that dives deep into the world of art, identity, and transformation. Through Alix’s story, a middle-aged mother and artist, the book unpacks her journey to self-discovery amid life’s curveballs, from raising a child alone to trying her hand at painting after a divorce. The poems center around a painting of Alix, viewed through various lenses of loved ones and strangers, challenging her sense of self and offering a reflection on how art can both capture and distort us.

Faith’s writing is intimate and layered, bringing the reader right into Alix’s headspace and the life she’s balancing between motherhood, art, and personal growth. The author creates moments that are so honestly raw, they pull at your heartstrings and make Alix so relatable. Faith’s language is simple yet powerful, with lines that resonate long after reading, like in “Self-Portrait” where Alix’s journey to capture her essence becomes a metaphor for her broader life struggles.

Another thing I liked is the layered perspectives Faith offers. Through different viewpoints, we see how one image can evoke wildly different responses. Each perspective is painted with a sharp, emotional brush that gives a new angle on Alix’s character each time. The varying opinions on the portrait make it clear that art doesn’t just reveal it mirrors what the viewer brings to it. Alix’s uncertainties about the painting are a reminder of the complex relationship between self-perception and public persona.

For anyone who’s ever felt uncertain or started anew, Does It Look Like Her? is a touching read. It’s perfect for lovers of poetry and visual art and anyone navigating a later-in-life passion. Faith’s words resonate and make Alix’s journey a quiet triumph that lingers long after you finish the book.

Pages: 64 | ISBN : 978-1736407707