The Whisper, The Storm and The Light in Between
In their debut collection, The Whisper, The Storm and The Light in Between, Clara vulnerably reveals their experience as a racialized being surviving Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs) and colonization. She describes her work as a “poetic memoir of diasporic despair and delight,” where they speak to the trauma, healing, and growth that comes with discovering your most authentic self. Every poem takes you on an emotional ride through the struggle of learning who you are and embracing the love you deserve.
Early praise for
The Whisper, The Storm and The Light in Between:
I felt like I just witnessed the birth of something magical. Like if I were there when The Fire Next Time was written by Baldwin. That’s how strongly I felt about this! - Darlene Moreno Andrade
What Readers Are Saying
“The Whisper, The Storm and The Light In Between”, is a proclamation of existence, letting all readers know that We, BIPOC peoples, “[are] standing right here”! (from the poem, “Don’t Tell Me”). In your face and unapologetic, Olivo’s poems serve as both mirror and window - as a celebration of pride in our Latinidad & Blackness and as an open invitation into the historical realities of BIPOC peoples in this land “of liberty and justice for all”. Tackling themes rooted in culture, white-washed histories, otherness, acceptance, self-love and empowerment, Olivo’s words help nurture deeper understanding of our history and culture as well as supports cultivating a sense of movement - encouraging Us to further tell our unabridged stories and continue our legacy of persistence, strength and love in spite of everything that tends to want it to be not. Definitely a must read! Clara, que si! =o)
— Jessica Diaz, Educator, Advocate and Poet by way of Puerto Rico y El Bronx.
Clara Olivo details life in oscillation in her new book, The Whisper, The Storm and The Light In Between that will resonate with anyone who is a part of the diaspora and/or living in between concurrent identities and cultures. Her collection evokes a temporal homing desire that attends to issues of American exceptionalism, race, miscegenation, and cultural memory. Her words will stay with you long after you have finished reading her book.
— Waleska Solorzano, D.C-based Diasporico y Photographer
Throughout these poems, Olivo proves that the roots of a person's past can lead to growth, no matter the damage. As a first-generation Latino college graduate, these poems resonate with me as I continue to lay new roots for a brighter future in my lineage. Bravo!