Chasing Demons
By Carissa K. Harkness
Independently Published
July, 2021
166 pages
$10.34 Paperback ISBN-13: 979-8542171937
TW: suicidality, domestic violence, abuse, addiction
Book reviewed by Kavita Khajuria
“silence has the courage to say the things we can’t…”
Chasing Demons is a collection of poetry and prose that artfully captures emotional survival through domestic violence, abandonment and addictions – with a key theme of worth. Haunting effects of childhood abuse resonate loudly “my fathers yelling became the soundtrack of my life…” – a stone in the ripple effect. Numb mental states and the safeguard of psychological imprisonment become conflicted by a need for connection amidst perceptions of human disregard. Rage and resentment are burdened by anxiety and her capacity for self-love is questioned in the face of criticism and judgement. Emotional instability and tortured loneliness convey the weight of depression and a sense of futility, but her being subject to manipulation resonates with palpable anger. The tide turns suddenly with the enamor of love – the reader can hear the safety, craving and intoxication – followed by the rollercoaster of heartbreak – with pain, obsessive angst and grief. These become permeated with realizations, consolations and affirmations, including insight – a notable rising occurs with confrontation of individual and global sexism. Resilience and hope emerge with the embrace of individuality and new beginnings. This is a powerful read – insightful moments include observations of repetition and re-enactments. Emotional states are beautifully captured, with universal issues and struggles that transcend time.
Serotonin 