Lana del Rey's poetry collection reflects sensitive, authentic spirit

Lana del Rey's 41st birthday on June 21 offers a moment to revisit "Violet bent backwards over the grass," her intimate poetry collection first published in 2020. The book, released in the US by Simon & Schuster and translated into Spanish in 2021, showcases the mainstream artist's sensitive and authentic spirit, a quality previously evident in her six studio albums.

The collection features around thirty poems, enhanced by original photographs and handwritten notes from the singer. The text, written in a style reminiscent of an old typewriter, delves into the performer's deepest feelings. The dedication invites readers to find solace within this literary debut: "To those whose tired, warm afternoon hands have fallen upon these pages – wherever you may find them – so that they may remember that the world conspires in their favor and act accordingly."

Elvira Sastre, the Spanish translator, described discovering a woman who is both fragile and brave, openly revealing her fears. The verses touch upon Lana's experiences with mediums, her attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, and her romantic relationships. She also references cultural icons such as Sylvia Plath, Jim Morrison, and Georgia O'Keeffe, using them to contextualize her own anxieties and her perspectives on fame and art.

The poetry is deeply connected to Los Angeles and its surroundings, with locations like Malibu and Santa Monica serving as characters themselves. These places are where Lana dreams, questions, and seeks a sense of belonging. The volume concludes with ten haikus, adhering to the traditional five-seven-five syllable structure, offering a concise reflection of her artistic voice.

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To those whose tired, warm afternoon hands have fallen upon these pages – wherever you may find them – so that they may remember that the world conspires in their favor and act accordingly.