Review of The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
From the moment I picked up The Poet X, I knew I was in for something extraordinary. Elizabeth Acevedo has such a keen way of weaving powerful themes into an accessible and vibrant narrative, and with this National Book Award-winning novel, she’s given readers a gift that’s both raw and beautiful. As someone who has always found solace in poetry, Xiomara Batista’s journey resonated with me deeply, striking a chord that lingers even after the last page.
The heart of The Poet X lies in the experiences of Xiomara, a sophomore at a high school in Harlem, navigating the tumultuous waters of adolescence, familial expectations, and self-discovery. Growing up in a strict, religious household, Xiomara grapples with her mother’s mistrust and the expectations placed upon her as a young woman. Amid the jeers and scrutiny regarding her body, she fiercely protects her twin brother, whom she lovingly calls "Twin."
What struck me personally was Xiomara’s internal battle—the tension between her desires and her mother’s unyielding beliefs. Lines like, “When your body takes up more room than your voice / you are always the target of well-aimed rumors” depict not just her struggles with identity, but also the broader societal issues young women often face. This novel doesn’t just tell a story; it reflects the real struggles many of us relate to, wrapped in expressive poetic verse.
Acevedo’s writing is fluid and charged with emotion, allowing us to feel every high and low that Xiomara experiences. The narrative unfolds in smooth poetry, making this read feel less like a book and more like a heartfelt conversation. I found myself nodding along to her words, pulled into her world through the rhythm of her thoughts. The pacing is beautifully deliberate; it captures the rush of teenage emotions while also allowing space for reflection and growth.
One memorable highlight for me was when Xiomara confronts her budding feelings for Aman. As she embarks on her first taste of young love with the apprehension of disobeying her mother’s strict rules, Acevedo captures the intricate dance of desire, confusion, and guilt that often accompanies such experiences. It’s a tangled web that many readers will find themselves entangled in, and it showcases Xiomara’s struggle to reconcile her own identity with her family’s expectations.
This story can be hard to read at times, especially given Xiomara’s mother’s harsh treatment, echoing that complex dynamic reminiscent of the mother from Little Fires Everywhere. Yet it’s that very complexity that makes Xiomara a truly unforgettable character. Through her flaws and vulnerabilities, she emerges as a beacon of strength—one that reminds us of the transformative power of words, which, as she puts it, serve as “a lantern glowing in the dark.”
The Poet X opened my eyes not only to the power of poetry but also to the weight of silence that often surrounds young voices in society. It’s a book I devoured in one day, and though I rarely listen to audiobooks, I’m seriously considering hearing Acevedo narrate it herself, as her lyrical cadence must bring a new layer to Xiomara’s voice.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who has ever wrestled with their identity, fought for their voice, or simply cherished the written word. The Poet X is not just a story—it’s an experience that cultivates understanding and empathy, and it’s one I won’t forget anytime soon. As Acevedo beautifully captures, believing in the power of one’s own words can be a liberating journey, and isn’t that something we all aspire to find?
For more on my literary adventures, check out my blog at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com. Happy reading!
