I really loved this book. I was so beautiful and deep and really made me connect with the writing.
I loved the unique way it's done and I think it's the perfect example of a really balanced poetry book that touches a lot of different aspects of life and love.

I loved the illustrations and pictures included in this book which I really think helped to highlight the lovely prose. I loved the perspective of these poems and writing style was great.

I've steered away from reading contemporary poetry for the last little while because, after a bit, it all becomes a bit about people overcoming the trauma of their past relationships but acknowledging they aren't the same afterwards. While this is an important story, it's sad to me that there is so little contemporary poetry at the moment that really embraces themes outside of that.

The reason why this collection grabbed me was the title. I was hoping, and expecting, something like Goddess of the Hunt, which is another poetry collection that features heavily a goddess from Greek myth, or even Wild Embers.

Instead of being purely focused on Aphrodite, this collection turned out to be a sort of conversation between Aphrodite and the poet, exploring the different things that they each had to say from their experiences of love, war and grievances in general. My favourite part was definitely looking back at the history of the goddess and seeing how that has been changed and cheapened to fit in with man's definition of what it is to be feminine. I actually can't overstate how much I loved that. It was such a strong way to begin this collection.

The downsides of this collection were mostly in the repetition of 'I' statements throughout. For most of it, this appeared like a way of separating the poet's voice from Aphrodite's, and at the end it was something that Aphrodite also adopted in her final section on war. I understand, I think, what this was trying to achieve. It was just a technique that didn't work for me.

As is usual in a lot of these poetry collections, the list of trigger warnings are at the front and they include:

- body image
- sexual assault
- rape
- eating disorders
- queerphobia
- emotional abuse
- physical abuse

Aphrodite made me do it, is a volume of poetry interwoven through the voice of the first scandalised woman and a modern day poet. Both have been hurt but one has survived millennia not lusting after every available individual, but allowing growth enough to self heal.
Aphrodite Made Me Do It is a look at the poet's own pain with the idea that the pain belongs only to them, that it is no one else's to define, forgive, ignore, say what is is healthy.
This is a poetry book for modern times, using a character everyone is familiar with to break down barriers society has irresponsibly decided to build around women.

I had heard good things about this poetry collection so I was really excited when I finally got around to reading it. Aphrodite Made Me Do It is a raw and emotional poetry collection which explores acceptance and finding yourself.

I think what is unique for this collection is that it is mixed media featuring pieces of artwork and experimental style which were quite different to read about and definitely make the collection stand out. It really grips you in the topics of sexuality and love and desire that Trista Mateer is discussing in the poetry collection.

I also liked the framing device of Trista talking to Aphrodite about her thoughts and feelings. It gives it a different spin and leaves a connection between Trista and me when I read it.

The topics that are discussed in this book can be quite sensitive as it deals with sexual assault, eating disorders and abuse so, please keep this in mind before picking up the book.

The Verdict:

Aphrodite Made Me Do It is a well put together poetry collection which is worth a read and definitely went under the radar on its first release.

This was a stunning poetry collection with beautiful illustrations mixed into it. This collection is based around mythology and heavily features the themes and concepts of feminism, self-love, empowerment & strength.

So many things from rape and abuse to forgiveness and joy are addressed in this collection and they're discussed in such a beautiful, respectful way.

"You rise like a phoenix from the ashes of things that no longer serve you."

A very nice read indeed! The title had me at first glance. Nice book, nicely written en nicest characters.

I immediately loved this. I read the first line and knew that I would love every single line in it. And Aphrodite's parts?? Amazing and beautiful and everything I love. I need a physical edition of this and I need it NOW.

A beautiful collection of poetry and art that is perfect for young women, Mateer opens up a world of opportunities for self care. A seamless incorporation of mythology makes for interesting reading, and we learn that we can all take a bit of advice from Aphrodite, The writing is deep and emotional, covering a whole host of sensitive issues in a really profound way that so many people will be able to relate to. Mateer really writes what we all need to hear, and sets up a strong starting point for healing. A really wonderful collection (and just look at that beautiful cover!)

I do not read a lot of poetry.
I try, I do, but it always seems just outside of my grasp.
It makes me feel stupid, inexperienced, naive about the world; like it will only be at the end of my life, when I have been places and done things, that I will ever truly grasp what the depths of what is saying. Those things hiding beneath the surface of my shallow reading. I groan at imagery and metaphors that are far out of my reach and think, "maybe one day".
But, I am nearly twenty-five. Why isn't today that day? Where is the poetry for me? To enrich me, to enliven me? Poets my age writing experiences like mine?
I found all of those answers in Trista Mateer's collection. It is easily one of the best ones I have ever read - its poems are stark, honest; a portrait of pain and desire that spans the ages. They were beautiful, heartbreaking and outside of any of the words that I perhaps, will ever have in my limited vocabulary. Ones that I could draw on for strength; for a belief that someone, somewhere out there, felt the same things that I did.
It felt like coming home, like finding a friend, like - after a life of being alienated by poetry - I had finally found a poet that I understood and who understood me. Even those deep, dark parts that nobody else seems to.

Trista Mateer is a poet. Fully fledged in her art, she holds no punches in this intense and beautiful collection. She does not shy away from the ugly truths of abuse and trauma, not for her abuser, not for herself, not for those who look on. It’s a heart wrenching, heart hardening, heart changing poetry book. Five stars.

I have never read a collection quite like Trista Mateer's Aphrodite Made Me Do It. Written in dialogue from or directed to Aphrodite, Mateer delves into topics like self-care, dealing with trauma and loss, and, of course, empowerment. I'm used to sharp, witty poetry, the kind that bites. But Mateer's collection mostly felt like a warm embrace, although there are definitely darker themes and sharp poems included.

Written with an element of fiction, of storytelling using mythology, this collection really jumps off the page in a new way. Mateer's writing is always very easy to digest and although mostly written without a rigid structure, it never feels unorganized or difficult to follow.

If you follow Trista Mateer on instagram, you already know how beautiful her writing and art can be. Unfortunately, I read this collection months ago and never got around to writing my review until now, so it's hard to really pull out the fresh feelings and my favorite lines. But I assure you, this collection will make you feel so many emotions, and you'll absolutely be in awe of her magic, both on the page and in her art.

When I first read this collection, I bookmarked all of my favorite poems on my e-reader. But since my copy was a digital ARC, all of those bookmarks ended up getting wiped when I started using a new device, so I'll just have to encourage you to dive right in at the beginning. For a taste of her work, be sure to check out her instagram account!

While I am not the biggest fan of this new wave style of poetry, there were some poems in this collection that were really touching. I think a lot of readers will find something in this that speaks to them.

Aphrodite Made Me Do It.

I received a copy of Aphrodite Made Me Do It by Trista Mateer from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis:

Bestselling and award winning author Trista Mateer takes an imaginative approach to self care in this new poetry and prose collection, Aphrodite Made Me Do It. In this empowering retelling, she uses the mythology of the goddess to weave a common thread through the past and present. By the end of this book, Aphrodite make you believe in the possibility of your own healing.

‘The thing about embracing your own chaos is that it never becomes clear when you need to stop.’

‘They made me earthly. They branded me woman. Then they saw things in me that didn’t mesh well with woman. They saw parts of me they didn’t understand and they broke them off. They called me a hundred different names, an epithet for everything.’

‘I belong to no one. They never wrote that part down.’

‘I’m afraid of..’
When I read through all the things written down regarding fears, it stole my breath. It was so accurate with many of the fears expressed.

‘Love has little to do with blood relations and more to do with who you choose to bleed for.’

‘The night I was raped, I walked right past my mother and said nothing. I was afraid to be dusted for fingerprints. I was afraid to be called a liar.’

I think that’s a common fear of those who have been raped or abused. Doesn’t matter if you’re a man or a woman. The fear of being branded or accused as a liar is terrifying. Especially when you speak the truth.

‘Understanding doesn’t have to mean granted forgiveness. And forgiveness doesn’t have to be a free pass.’

Say that again for the people in the back.

‘It’s important not to isolate yourself when you’re healing but it’s also important to be able to sit quietly with yourself.’

I think that this line is so true. When you’re hurting and healing, it’s more than okay to be alone to get yourself together and to seek the calmness that you need. But you also need to surround yourself with things or people that help you heal. Never be completely alone.

‘You are not required to be small. You are not required to be pleasant. You are not required to be accommodating. You are not required to be submissive. You are not required to be merciful. You are not required to be quiet.’

You are not required to do anything you don’t want to.

‘How long you’ve known them does not absolve them of their abuse.’

I think this is a line that I need to reflect on and accept.

‘Even a matchstick remembers the moment before it was struck.’

So powerful.

‘Fuck another poem about everything that has hurt me. Fuck another poem that means I have to stand in front of strangers and make a bouquet of my trauma. Fuck another poem that prevents me from forgetting my abusers. Fuck another poem that adds weight instead of taking it away. Fuck another poem about my sadness. Fuck another poem about my emptiness. Let me fill the space instead with joy.’

I remember telling my boyfriend how this book is going to be getting 5 damn good Stars.

This book made me nod my head and say, “yes, 100% yes” all the way through. It’s truly one of the most powerful, relatable, raw and honest poetry book I have read. I loved it.

5/5 Stars!

Liked this a lot. It was a super quick read and very beautifully written. I loved how it was separated by artwork which made for a really engaging experience.

This book of poems has touched me deeply. The way things are told is beautiful and haunting. Some texts hurt deeply but overall this book made feel optimistic and hopeful. I'm also a sucker for mythology, and how it is depicted here is marvelous!

Aphrodite Made Me Do It is a feminist poetry collection about love, loss, insecurity, pain, and empowerment. It's also a retelling of Aphrodite's story. I read the NetGalley proof on my kindle which for some annoying reason always means that it messes up the lines and images, but I liked the design and style anyway. The poetry itself - especially the parts about rewriting Aphrodite's story far away from the male gaze - was intriguing, but it didn't capture me for long. It was a short read with beautiful words, but at the same time, it felt like scrolling through someone's poetry-inspired Instagram feed - pretty but easily forgotten.

I really wanted to love this. it felt more insta poet than real poetry. I thought the words and images were very worldly, but for some reason it did not connect in a way I wanted/needed it to.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this. I will be posting a full review to Goodreads, Amazon, and Instagram.

(This work was given to me by the publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review). This poetry collection explores the way that Aphrodite is represented within ‘western culture. ‘It challenges narratives that seek to depower the goddess. Many of these poems are written from the perspective of Aphrodite. She rails at the way that popular culture has represented her as a sexualised, unintellectual being. In response to these representations, the poet presents the reader with a powerful goddess, who knows her own mind and who is very angry. This collection deconstructs gender and presents the reader with a powerful new narrative. I highly recommend this work.