"I Am the Storm" by Sara Meredith is a deeply moving collection of poetry that delves into the depths of grief, trauma, and healing with raw honesty, making every word hit like a punch to the gut. As I read, it felt as though someone was squeezing my heart, each poem pulling me deeper into the emotional turbulence that defines Sara’s journey.

The central metaphor of storms runs throughout the collection, symbolising both the chaos of life’s tragedies and the strength needed to survive them. Sara writes with a defiant vulnerability—her poems are unapologetically honest about her darkest moments. She speaks of a type of pain that few people can truly comprehend, yet her writing makes it feel as though readers are walking beside her through the storm.

The poems confront readers with intense themes—the yearning for lost loved ones, the silent agony of trauma, and the overwhelming pressure to heal and move forward. It’s as though Sara gives voice to every unspoken thought and feeling that accompanies profound loss.

What makes "I Am the Storm" so remarkable is the way Sara merges the personal with the universal. Her experiences are uniquely her own, yet the emotions she expresses—grief, anger, hope, and love—are ones we can all relate to, even if our circumstances differ. As she writes about her journey toward healing, she empowers others to face their own storms. She doesn’t offer quick fixes or simple solutions but instead invites readers to acknowledge their pain and find strength in their vulnerability.

One of the most striking aspects of the collection is Sara’s resilience. Amidst all the heartache, there’s an underlying message of survival. She speaks about the power of self-love and the importance of reclaiming her identity after trauma. The poems on rebuilding and moving forward, though tinged with sorrow, carry a strong sense of hope. Sara has clearly endured unimaginable pain, but her poetry suggests that even in the darkest times, it’s possible to find light.

The conversational style of her writing only adds to the intimacy of the collection. Reading it feels like sitting with a close friend as she pours her heart out, unfiltered and raw. This accessibility makes her work resonate on a deeply personal level, pulling you in and refusing to let go.

For those who are struggling with similar experiences, this book offers more than just an account of pain—it stands as a testament to the incredible strength of the human spirit. It’s a reminder that no matter how powerful the storm, there’s always the possibility of finding shelter and rebuilding. Sara’s words offer comfort to anyone feeling lost in their own struggles, showing that you don’t have to face the darkness alone and that healing is not only possible but achievable.

Although "I Am the Storm" may be a challenging and emotional read, it is also filled with moments of triumph and quiet beauty. Each poem offers a message of perseverance, reinforcing that the journey toward healing is not linear, but it is always worth pursuing. Readers who may be hesitant to confront such heavy themes should take heart—beneath the pain lies an undeniable message of hope and renewal. Sara’s poetry encourages readers to embrace their vulnerability, find strength in it, and emerge stronger on the other side.

Sara’s ability to write about her grief and trauma with such brutal honesty is both brave and inspiring. While it felt like someone was squeezing my heart as I read, by the end, I also felt a sense of release and hope. This book is a powerful reminder that healing is possible and that strength can emerge even from the deepest wounds. It’s not just a story of survival, but one of empowerment, reminding readers that even after the fiercest storm, calm and light can return

"I Am The Storm" by Sara Meredith is available on Amazon.

Sara Meredith will be launching "I Am The Storm" with the Arts Council England supported 1in3 Project (Its Our Right) on 3rd November at The Clarendon Hotel, 38 Chapel Ash, Wolverhampton WV3 OTH at an inspiring event featuring local artists and survivors sharing powerful stories  to raise awareness about gender based violence.

Review by Lisa Connolly 

Poet, writer, counsellor, recovery support worker and advocate for domestic abuse.

Debut poetry collection "Built From Broken" launches on 3rd November at The Clarendon Hotel, Wolverhampton with the Arts Council England  1in3 Project  (Its Our Right)