The poems in Journey Through the Fire speak of a troubled childhood with domineering parents and school bullies. Later, the years are plagued with chronic illnesses, that in time helps lead to a reconciliation.'From within the confides of a difficult illness Julie Stevens gives voice to experience that is commonly hidden away behind labels and closed doors. She fights for recognition, the relief of expressing herself and the elation of small personal triumphs. She is not defined by illness but by her constant striving for emotional health - a striving that takes her deep into her own early history where she struggles to achieve justice in poems of spare and striking beauty.Journey Through the Fire demonstrates courage on the battlefield of the everyday. It transcends difficulties which are peculiar to Julie herself and homes in on joys, griefs and perplexities where her readers will see their own reflected.'Steve Logan'From the troubled child hurling a pink cushion at the teacher to the speaker in the final poem showing us so movingly how MS actually feels from the inside, Julie Stevens' clear, honest voice rings true in startling poems about dementia, bullying, difficult family relationships, independence hard won through education and, finally, the frustration of living with a disabling illness. A real tour de force.'Carole Bromley'In "Journey Through the Fire", Julie Stevens finds evocative ways to bring us inside the brutality and beauty of life. Time and again she taps into a moment, a detail, to share a sense of life lived "with the volume high". The poems are sensitive to the nuances of memory, by turns pulsing with rage, fear, grief and love. Though the subject matter is often tough, the poet's gaze does not shy away. The world of imagination is engaged to help navigate, process, move beyond. The vital question this book poses is: can we acknowledge our trauma while affirming and seeking out the wonder of living? In this astounding book, the poet's answer is an energetic YES.'Lucy Heuschen
