Reviews

Black Roses: The Killing of Sophie Lancaster by Simon Armitage

notlikethebeer's review

challenging dark reflective sad medium-paced

2.75

I really liked the idea of this, but I'm not sure I was such a fan in practice. The rhymes felt a little amateur perhaps - for the most part, I don't really feel that I came away with any more or less an impression of who Sophie was and might have been. The exception was one of the poems in the middle, about the flat she and her boyfriend moved into: that was one of the most powerful poems for me, really highlighting all that was taken from her. The last poem, as well, was very poignant, thinking of her mother and the role she had to relive in the worst way, all the bodily secrets a human - a woman - should be entitled to keep.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Murder, Violence, and Hate crime

richardbruce's review

4.0

I found it hard to rate this book.
The content is utterly devestating and so so sad.
The anger I feel towards the murderers is real.
It brought a tear to my eye.
Having a daughter myself this truly effected me.
I can't imagine what her parents went through.
I have taken one star off simply because I would have liked some more facts about these type of attacks to raise awareness, maybe advice and an index of contacts for people struggling who have been through similar experiences.
The poetry is beautiful and a very heavy 15 minute read ❤

collyofthewobbles's review

5.0

I first heard this as a play, but reading it is just as powerful. Stunning!
The language is easy to understand and heart clentching. I'm off to get my own copy

lnatal's review

1.0

From BBC Radio 4 Extra:
The 2007 Lancashire murder victim's story told by her mother Sylvia.