Forgotten Lands

Poems of the Ancestors

Poetry - General
Kindle Edition
Reviewed on 06/22/2026
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Lauren Martin offers an intimate collection of poems in her book, Forgotten Lands. Through her poetry, Martin recounts her experiences and paints a vivid portrait of her life and the environment in which she grew up. She reveals her disillusionment with society, which continues to scoff at anything that is not part of the mainstream. In one of the poems, the narrator longs for a lover who has left them. Another one delves into the betrayal and loneliness one feels after a breakup. In yet another poem, the narrator dreams of their ancestral homelands. Others are about childhood memories of being discriminated against, disregarding the pangs of loneliness to follow the shaman's obligation, an ode to California's vibrant land and everything it entails, and a sister who has a crush on Keanu Reeves.

Although most of Lauren Martin's poetry can be called deeply personal, the topics she touches upon are universal, and I think a wide range of readers will resonate with them. Forgotten Lands is a book any poetry enthusiast will cherish. Martin's mastery of her craft is undeniable. Her poetry puts you in the mind of the narrator, and you feel their experiences through these poetic narratives that continue to linger in your mind long after you've finished reading. Many readers have probably gone through similar experiences, especially those explored in poems about love, longing, loneliness, heartbreak, loss, and health issues. Martin pens her verses in a way that strikes a chord in the very depths of your heart. These poems are like a soothing balm for your soul. I'm very glad that I read this collection and will heartily recommend it to every poetry aficionado.