The book we will be reviewing today is Past Tense: Portraits and Poems of Suicide, a thought-provoking collection that explores the lives of people who died by suicide across different countries, cultures, professions, and walks of life. Through poetry, letters, illustrations, portraits, and extracts from original sources, LindaAnn LoSchiavo brings together stories that examine the many circumstances and personal struggles that can lead someone to take their own life.
LindaAnn LoSchiavo is a contemporary poet and dramatist whose writing often blends emotional depth with imaginative storytelling. Her other works include Cancer Courts My Mother, Always Haunted: Hallowe’en Poems, Vampire Ventures, and Women Who Were Warned.
What makes this collection particularly distinctive is its presentation. Rather than following a conventional biographical format, the author combines original correspondence, historical extracts, illustrations, and poetry to give readers a glimpse into the lives of the deceased. She also moves beyond geographical and cultural boundaries, exploring stories from across the globe. The reasons behind these deaths are equally varied, ranging from false accusations, social injustice, and societal judgement to mental health struggles, loss of love or career, declining physical health, and the weight of personal and societal expectations.
Some of the most eye-opening accounts are those of people who were at the height of their success. We often admire individuals for their achievements, place them on pedestals, and assume that the lives they lead are as wonderful as they appear. Yet, these stories reveal the struggles that can exist behind the spotlight. Even achieving everything one has worked towards does not necessarily bring happiness or fulfilment. The pressure to maintain success, the fear of losing everything over a small mistake, and the burden of expectations can be overwhelming. It is a sobering reminder that outward success tells us very little about someone's internal world.
The range of individuals featured is another testament to the extensive research behind this book. Singers, photographers, Buddhist monks, writers, scientists, and programmers are among those whose lives are explored. The author also brings together people who were immensely successful, those who struggled in life, individuals who were victims of wrongful accusations and societal injustice, and even those who had committed crimes. This contrast makes the collection particularly interesting, showing how there is no single profile or set of circumstances that defines someone who dies by suicide.
One of the most brilliant pieces in the book is Abecedarian: Wistful Warrior Shelley Ann Beattie. The poem uses each successive letter of the alphabet to begin a line while weaving together a compelling narrative. Creating something so meaningful within such a restrictive poetic structure is no easy feat, and this was one of the pieces that particularly stood out to me.
One of the most poignant messages that emerges from the collection is that suicide does not take away one's pain; it passes that pain on to those left behind. The stories make you think about the grief, unanswered questions, and emotional burden carried by the people who remain. They also challenge us to reconsider how readily we judge others without knowing the circumstances they might be facing.
Past Tense: Portraits and Poems of Suicide is not an easy read, but it is a compelling one. It brings together vastly different lives, each with its own history, circumstances, and struggles, encouraging readers to look beyond the circumstances of death and consider the human stories behind them. Ultimately, it is a reminder to be more empathetic, less judgemental, and mindful of the battles people may be fighting silently.
If you enjoy poetry, historical portraits, and books that explore the more complex and often uncomfortable aspects of human experience, this collection offers plenty to reflect upon.
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