Let's begin with the words in the main title. Prodigal Spectrum. I think of the story of the prodigal son in the Bible. The son took his inheritance and spent it quickly, freely, without much thought, and ended up feeling lost. He wanted to go back home. His father still took him back because he had much love for him. In this book I imagine the author looking at her past, remembering the times she has felt lost, and being thankful for the love she both gave to others aand received from others, bringing her to this current stage in life.
This new book by poet and author, Lori King-Roberts, is a beautiful collection of poetry and prose that weaves together a collage of memories, love, and introspective thoughts.
The writings span childhood nostalgia, adolescent adventures, and bittersweet refelections of adulthood, and it was a joy for this reviewer to go on that ride. The rainbow, to me, represents the many life lessons and experiences that King-Roberts has had. Getting a glimpse of her spirit in these pieces, she shows how she has passionately given her love and attention to those around her, perhaps recklessly at times - but always out of love.
Why the subtitle, "Truths and Tales From An Unlikely Torch Bearer?" I think it is because of the writer's humbleness. I so happen to have a bit of an "in" in that I have seen her in person. I have heard her read. I have seen her interact with other poets and I have seen glimpses of her heart. Although she has been writing for a long time, I think she didn't forsee this project early on. However, over time, I believe God has pointed her in this direction and she felt called to share her story/stories.
King-Roberts sets the stage in the beginning with a story called "Birdies Across the Lawn." She takes us back to a simple, quiet time when games with her father were treasured moments. Basketball, whiffle ball, trips to Dairy Queen, and badminton. Her love for her father is so apparent and visible, and the images she uses will stick with you far into the reading of this book.
This book is divided into several sections, moving you through her life's timeline. I am a lover of history. For some reason I have always been attracted to it - to nastalgia. And so this first section of the book was my favorite. She paints so many amazing pictures with her words and memories. It's like watching an old 8mm film reel at times.
I also love her story entitled, "New Neighbors." It's a story of young love, living on the west end of Decatur, Illinois. I particularly loved this segment:
This is where Danny and I fell into our summertime romance. Our conversations turned into holding hands. And it did not take long for our afternoon walks to the park to turn into just the two of us walking around the neighborhood engaging in perfectly innocent, long talks about life and wanderlust and what we thought about doing after high school. Mid-summer, we decided to take a long walk. That was the day we climbed the steps of the mansion. Steps that felt worthy of our Midwest royalty. Narrow pillars framed the front porch entrance and what I now remember as floor to ceiling windows on the main level beckoned us to stay. It was a grand, historical home having been built in the 1800s - and owned by the couple for whome the local university was named. It now belonged to the university and in teh 1970s was not utilized for much - other than a local landmark symbolizing the proud heritage of those who sought after higher education and the accolades that accompany diplomas.
Throughout the book, King-Roberts sprinkles in poetry. My favorite, "Autumn" is a conversation between her and the season, one that she clearly has a deep affection for:
I hear the girl - running to catch up with me. Fast approaching as if we are about to be late for class. Tapping me on the shoulder, barely stopping and breathless she whispers, "I'm here! I know you've been waiting!" I look at her with knowing eyes. "Yes. I have missed you."
With the collection's varried format - jumping between prose, poetry, and vignettes, you will get a raw, diary-like intimacy that is sure to captivate you and keep you turning the page. You sense her vulnerability throughout - a trusting she gives the reader, to handle it with care, some of life's struggles: the unraveling of marriage and the impact that had on her children, the loss of her eldest son, and other themes will surely pull at your heart strings.
The latter sections, such as "Tomato Pulpit" and "From the Den to the Dirt," shift toward her connection to nature and farming. These pieces blend practical labor with spiritual reflection.
Prodigal Spectrum is a deeply personal read, and I really loved the movement from prose to poetry and back to prose. I think you will too.
-Jim Wilkerson
Note: You can get a copy of this book by going to: https://a.co/d/ivd2RSK
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