Grateful Beyond Words: The Impact of Your Reviews on Vilomah

I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude and humility as I share that Vilomah is starting to receive reviews. Each word, each reflection, and each heartfelt comment from readers has touched me more deeply than I could ever express. Writing this book, as many of you know, was not just an act of creation—it was an emotional release, a way to navigate the intense pain of losing my son. To see that it is resonating with others is nothing short of overwhelming.

The poems in Vilomah are intensely personal. They come from a place of grief, raw emotion, and the deep ache that comes from losing a child. Putting these words into the world was one of the hardest things I have ever done, and yet, I knew that sharing this vulnerability could create a space for connection and healing. It wasn’t easy to share such intimate parts of my journey, but the way these poems have connected with readers makes every ounce of that discomfort worthwhile.

I am so thankful for the kind and thoughtful reviews that have come in. Here are just a couple that have deeply moved me:

Martha M. Forrest said:

“I was pulled into a world of unimaginable sorrow and breathtaking beauty. This poet, a mother who is dealing with the daily gut-wrenching pain of losing her son, pours her heart out into every line, and it is impossible not to feel the weight of her grief. By the second poem, I cried my eyes out, yet somehow, reading her words woven with such mastery and grace, I couldn't look away. This is a collection that demands to be read, felt, and above all, remembered. Five stars are not even enough for the depth of Athena's work."

Another moving review from Walk With A Book shared:

"This is a powerful and heartbreaking collection of poems. The word 'Vilomah' itself means a parent who has lost a child—a painful role no one ever wants to have. Through this book, the author opens up about her own personal tragedy: the loss of her child due to homicide. Each poem in the collection is filled with raw emotion—you can feel the anger, sadness, confusion, and the deep longing of a mother who is trying to make sense of a world without her child. But at the same time, there's also strength, love, and a quiet message of resilience. The poems are written in simple yet impactful language. They don't try to hide the pain. Instead, they make you feel every moment of it. This honesty is what makes the book so touching. Whether or not you've faced such a loss, you can't help but feel connected to the poet's journey. This is not just a book about grief. It's also a book about healing. It reminds us that while pain never really goes away, it's possible to keep going, to hold on to memories, and to keep loving, even in the face of loss. It gives a voice to those who feel silenced by grief and creates a space where sorrow is understood and respected. It's not just a book of poems—it's a heart opened wide."

These words are a gift to me, and they validate the effort I put into this work. To know that Vilomah has helped others process their grief, or simply feel seen and heard, brings me a sense of peace that words alone cannot capture. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read, review, and reflect on this book. Your support means the world to me, and I am forever grateful that you are sharing this journey with me.