Bright Red Fruit

Healing through Poetry.

Having delved into poetry since childhood, I've found solace and strength amidst life's trials. Safia Elhillo's “Bright Red Fruit” resonated deeply with me, serving as a poignant reminder of poetry's capacity to heal and uplift. Through the journey of Samira, a teenage girl navigating the complexities of adolescence under the vigilant gaze of her family, Elhillo crafts a narrative brimming with emotional depth.

The title itself, “Bright Red Fruit,” evokes a sense of temptation and consequence, mirroring Samira's experiences as she grapples with her mother's protective nature and societal expectations. As she confronts the pitfalls of online dating and the realities of intimate partner violence, the importance of communication and cultural nuances in relationships emerges as a central theme.

Samira's struggles resonate profoundly, her journey serving as a cautionary tale while also highlighting the resilience of the human spirit. Elhillo's adept exploration of these themes prompts moments of revelation for readers, underscoring the universality of the challenges Samira faces.

The portrayal of poetry as a source of solace for Samira adds another layer of depth to the narrative, showcasing the transformative power of artistic expression in times of adversity. Supported by her community, Samira finds strength in her vulnerability, ultimately emerging as a symbol of courage and resilience.

Elhillo's prose is nothing short of mesmerizing, each word meticulously chosen to paint a vivid tapestry of emotions. “Bright Red Fruit” is more than a book; it's a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the beauty inherent in the human experience. I'm immensely grateful to have encountered this masterpiece, as it has left an indelible mark on my heart and soul.

Thank you so much to randomhousekids and netgalley for the opportunity to read this arc. 
I got approved and finished the book in the same day! 
I truly have a soft spot for books written in verse. There's something very powerful and beautiful about books written in verse, and Bright Red Fruit is THEE perfect example of this. 
Samira was a great character. I sympathized and empathized with her character wholeheartedly. Being a young girl who is yearning for love, and once given an inkling of such latches on for better or worse. Shutting out those who are her backbone thinking she is mature enough to understand the complexity of being manipulated, and used by a man much older than her. I felt those moments where the desperation for the attention, to be seen, and to placed as special superseded her rationality. 
We also get to read Samira's poetry, my favorite one that I keep going back to is ‘What I've Learned' it's a heart wrenching piece that we see Samira truly reflect on her position on love as it pertains to her experience. Ugh it was amazing. 
My absolute favorite part of reading was the parallels of Samira's story being told with bits and pieces of the story of Persephone (bright red fruit! Get it? It's a pomegranate!!). 
YES! It was so beautifully done. The comparisons of how both are seen and how their actions are scrutinized , the relationships between both of their mothers, and the men they fell for.  
I'm going to also read Safia Elhillo's other books Home is Not A Country, and Girls That Never Die. I have high hopes for them since this was so good.

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Absolutely gorgeous, powerful verse. I want to throw a copy at every teen girl I know.