The Unwinding: and other dreamings by Jackie Morris*

Published: July 9th, 2020
Publisher: Unbound
Format: Hardback
Genre: Illustration, Poetry

*The title of this book has now changed to The Silent Unwinding.

Thank you to Anne at Random Things Tours for the invitation to take part and Unbound for the gifted copy.

SYNOPSIS:

This book is not meant to be read from cover to cover. It is a book for dreamers. Slight of word, rich of image, its purpose is to ease the soul. The paintings between these covers were worked in the between times, an unwinding of the soul, when the pressures of work were too much. Dreams and wishes are the inspiration at times like this. Threaded through the curious world of The Unwinding are words, slight and lyrical. Their aim is to set the reader’s mind adrift from the troubles of our times, into peaceful harbours where imagination can stretch, where quiet reflection can bring peace. The Unwinding is designed to be a companion, a talisman to be turned to again and again and a place of respite from an increasingly frantic and complex world.

MY REVIEW:

The Unwinding is not a book you read cover to cover, as the author herself tells you in the Introduction. It is meant to be read in piecemeal, such as one story before bed. It is designed to be a calming and soothing experience. It isn’t my usual kind of read, but I did enjoy reading something I wouldn’t typically pick up.

The lyrical prose of the stories were a great way to unwind, relax and center myself. But, for me, it is the breathtaking illustrations that steal the show. The author is an artist, which shines through, I found myself spending time just looking at the artwork over and over again.

The Unwinding is a beautiful book that is ideal for perusing before bed or when you don’t have much time to read or calming your mind in these crazy times.

Rating ✮✮✮. 5

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Jackie Morris is a British writer and illustrator. She was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal in 2016 and won it in 2019 for her illustration of The Lost Words, voted the most beautiful book of 2016 by UK booksellers. She is a recipient of the Tir na n-Og Award for children’s book Seal Children.

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