Birmingham Poet 'The Voice of Change' Lisa Connolly to Launch Built from Broken at The Clarendon Hotel, Wolverhampton

18th October 2024

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Join us for an evening of empowerment and inspiration as Birmingham based poet, writer, counsellor, recovery support worker, and advocate for domestic abuse Lisa Connolly (pictured) launches her debut poetry collection, Built from Broken, at The Clarendon Hotel in Wolverhampton on Sunday, 3rd November 2024, at 6:00 PM. This remarkable collection chronicles Lisa’s journey of healing and resilience, offering a voice for those affected by trauma and a roadmap for recovery.

Quote from Lisa Connolly:
"Poetry has always been a way for me to process, heal, and share the realities of surviving trauma. With this collection, I hope to connect with others who have walked similar paths and inspire them to find their own strength in the process of healing"

Built from Broken has captivated literary critics and advocates alike, drawing widespread acclaim for its emotional intensity, universal appeal, and powerful exploration of healing and survival. Connolly’s work is being celebrated as a profound contribution to modern literature—a rallying cry for change and a beacon of hope for survivors everywhere. Her debut is hailed as an essential read, showcasing the strength of the human spirit and serving as a testament to the capacity for healing and empowerment.

Praise for Built from Broken:

Dr. Lucy Kelsall-Knight, University of Birmingham:
" Built from Broken’ by Lisa Connolly is a whirlwind adventure through the devastation caused by a relationship which encounters domestic violence and abuse. The beginnings of a relationship, the stronghold of violence and then finally the movement into survivorship. The author manages to channel their emotions and pass them onto the reader. The reader then encounters the journey, albeit in physical safety. Raw emotion throughout, a must read to ensure that the voice of survival is never lost."

Ian Henery, Black Country Radio:
"These are poems which might save your life. They have universality appeal and speak to the indestructability of the human spirit. The book is a roadmap of being rebuilt from broken whereby the poet records her journey from recovery to empowerment where she rises like a Phoenix from the ashes. Within the narrative is healing for others, love for her children, dancing in the rain to the music of Stevie Nicks and a celebration of National Poetry Day 2024 where she writes a poem that is on point on the theme of counting. Hope whispers and the Phoenix rises in all her glory from the depths of despair. Buy this book. It’s not only a collection of quality writing but inspirational. It might also just save your life.”
Jacky Mulveen, Project Manager, We:ARE Women’s Empowerment and Recovery Educators:
" When Lisa first walked into our freedom programme group I just knew she was going to be a wordsmith. She had so much energy and so much to say, but when we’ve experienced domestic abuse, it can be a confusing mess in our head and it can take time to process, express and understand what we’ve been through. The words are there, just waiting to be released in an orderly fashion and put down on paper. The programmes; our fellow warrior women; and our sheer tenacity for justice; helps us make sense of our ourselves and enables us to see through the tangled web we were in. Lisa’s story, as told through her poetry is about honouring her resistance, finding the strength which was there all along and rising up using her words to give hope and validation to other survivors. Congratulations Lisa on publication of your book."

Brendan Hawthorne, Former Wednesbury Poet Laureate:
"Whenever I’m asked to review a new poetry collection, I tend to view the content with an individual, piece by piece approach, each piece a standalone testament to poetic ideals. In the case of Built from Broken I feel to do that would remove the sense of purpose of the book, its contents and the authors desire to metaphorically take our desire to metaphorically take our hand and lead us along a thorny path of relationships and, in this case, the personal abuse that can exist within them. The book opens with poetic counselling, meditation and analysis before we enter a world of uncertainty, disbelief and fading hope that things will improve or, worse still, believing we are the author of our own demise. At times, darkness is banished only to present itself from a forgotten shadow left cast in the corner. In the darkened room of fear that lies between the covers of this collection we are given shafts of light to encourage us to complete our collective mental and emotional voyage. Hope and light do intensify and win over in the forms of personal freedom and renewed, revitalised strength and purpose of a survivor. The poems, or chapters as they appear to be, are represented by a continuous, sinuous ribbon of barbed wire snags. The more you struggle, the more entangled you become. At the turning point in this work freedom and tenacity win the day, building a new life. Powerful, insightful, heartbreaking and empowering for all victims of abuse. For those who haven’t witnessed abuse, read on. You never know what nightmares exist behind a smile. Buy this book and be enlightened!"

Leena Batchelor, Owner of Script Haven Bookshop, Former Worcester Poet Laureate:
"Built from Broken by Lisa Connolly is one of the most powerful debut collections I have had the honour to read. The subject matter is discussed with raw honesty and emotion, pulling the frayed threads of a bruised soul together into a tapestry of survival, showing Lisa’s empathy for those who have also survived the abyss of abuse, and support for those who may feel alone in their lives. This collection is a shining example of the power of poetry to illuminate the important issues of society. Lisa is to be commended for both her bravery and strength in creating this collection; Counting Lives, Demanding Justice is not an easy call to hear, but one that deserves to be repeated until society changes attitudes. Thank you Lisa, from all the women whose voices you have helped raised."
Daniel Kay, D4 Poetry and AccessAbility:
"Built from Broken by Lisa Connolly is a poignant and powerful compilation that delves into the raw emotions and experiences of individuals who have faced adversity, particularly in the context of domestic abuse and trauma. The poems are deeply moving, offering a glimpse into the journey of healing, resilience, and self-discovery. Each piece resonates with authenticity and vulnerability capturing the pain of the past and the strength found in reclaiming one’s narrative. The collection skillfully navigates themes of empowerment, hope, and the transformative power of self-expression. Through evocative language and heartfelt verses, the poems shed light on the complexities of survival and the unwavering spirit of those who have endured hardship. Built from Broken is a testament to the human capacity for healing and serves as a source of inspiration for anyone seeking solace and understanding.”

Diyodi Devinda Menon, 1in3, funded by Arts Council England:
"Built from Broken by Lisa Connolly is a profoundly moving collection that explores the journey from trauma to healing with incredible depth and grace. Every poem in this compilation is as compelling as the next, capturing the raw emotion, strength, and resilience of those who have faced adversity. Connolly’s evocative language brings these stories to life, allowing readers to feel the pain, hope, and empowerment that radiates through each verse. This collection isn’t just reflection of survival – it’s a testament to the indomitable spirit that rises from hardship. Every line resonates with authenticity, providing solace and inspiration to those seeking to reclaim their narrative. Built from Broken is a powerful reminder of the human capacity for healing and a must-read for anyone looking for a source of strength and understanding"
Scarlett Ward Current Staffordshire Poet Laureate:
"In Built from Broken, the poet masterfully captures the intricate dance of healing, self-care and resilience. Each verse resonates with authenticity, revealing the profound connection between helping others and nurturing oneself. The collection radiates empowerment, encouraging readers to tap into their own inner strength and limitless potential. The imagery is vivid and uplifting, inviting us to bask in the light of our own capabilities. However, these poems are not just a reflection of personal experiences; they serve as a guiding light for anyone on a path to healing. With its blend of hope and truth, Built from Broken inspires us all to embrace our journeys and remember that healing is shared experience – one that brings us closer to understanding both ourselves and others. A truly inspiring read. "
Freddie Barker, Current Worcester Poet Laureate:
“This touching collection is a testament to Connolly’s bravery to confront domestic brutality dissect the broken pieces and pave a way for new hope. It’s a deeply personal journey to freedom.”

Jade Hartley, Rosatta Theatre:
"Built from Broken is so much more than a traditional book of poetry. It is an incredibly moving and inspiring account of one woman’s journey through abuse, control, surviving, and ultimately thriving. However, this collection is more than one woman’s story, it is a rallying cry for social change and better protection for the vulnerable. I devoured this poetry in one sitting, on an emotional rollercoaster driven by the flowing rhythms and clever imagery laced throughout these poems. Built from Broken is not only a brilliant poetry book, it is an important one. Book that could change lives, a book that could change the world, and a book I am very grateful to have read."

Laura Liptrot, Rosetta Theatre :
"Lisa takes us on a tarot reading of a journey underneath a mountain, from light to light (double check this please Ian it might be dark to light). Her motherly words are a guiding hand through the darkness, ending with a rallying cry for unity. Her poetry, whilst overflowing with humanity, love and compassion, also tells the stark truth of an open heart. Whilst avoiding the thrills and shock value of a horror story, she describes horrific situations plainly and simply as they are. Lisa has a natural poetic rhythm in her voice but also highlights, with clarity, the bridges between safety and danger and how easy it is to blindly cross these. Her words are both warning and healing, and she emerges with a mission to save the world. A truly inspiring voice that must be heard as loud and in as many places as possible!
Katie Victoria, Rosetta Theatre:
" Lisa Connolly's new poetry collection is a raw and heartfelt exploration of personal healing, trauma, and empowerment. Her work moves fluidly between themes of emotional strength, self-discovery, and the aftermath of toxic relationships, offering readers a deeply reflective and relatable experience. Poems like "The Healing Healer" highlight the importance of self-care even for those who help others, while pieces such as "When the Love Bombing Ends" and "Narcissistic Fog" poignantly depict the emotional toll of abusive relationships. Connolly masterfully combines a therapeutic approach with powerful imagery, guiding readers through pain, resilience, and ultimately hope. Her poems often capture moments of self-realisation, as seen in "Save Yourself" and "Built from Broken," where she challenges societal narratives and encourages women to reclaim their power. The rhythm of her writing, though simple, is rich in emotion, drawing readers into the internal worlds of her narrators. In particular, her ability to reflect the unseen battles of trauma survivors is both moving and enlightening, as in "Too Scared to Sleep" and "Triggered." Connolly’s work feels like a personal conversation with each reader, offering solidarity and validation for those who have experienced similar struggles. The collection does not shy away from difficult truths, yet it is infused with hope, as shown in "Freedom" and "Fresh Start." It’s a poignant reminder that healing, though not linear, is possible. For anyone seeking poetry that speaks directly to the human spirit's capacity for renewal, Connelly’s collection is a must-read."

In addition to her book launch, Lisa will perform at the Rosetta Theatre Company’s upcoming Spoken Word Event at Katie Fitzgerald's on Thursday, 24th October. There, she will share her powerful poetry.

Book Launch Event Details: