River of Stars - Selected Poems of Yosano Akiko is the biographical look at one of the most celebrated Japanese writers of the twentieth century, through her spectacular poetry.

The book begins with an introduction to the life of Yosano Akiko, which I must admit I read last. I don't have much patience for introductions, and I was determined to get to the meat of things, the poems.

Akiko's poetry transcends cultural lines. It speaks of passion, and anguish, and jealousy, and love. I cried at the pain she felt, as it tore up places in me I had carefully hidden from myself.

Once I had finished reading the poems (twice), I turned to the introduction, intrigued to learn more about a woman who lived years before me in a different country, and yet was able to stir such emotion in my soul. Her story is equally fascinating.