SOME REVIEWS...

A spiritual journey - by Jennifer Hudock
"Cendrine Marrouat's Project: Heartbeats and Elevation is a spiritual journey from one page to the next. As I read, read, and reread each poem in this collection, there were literally moments that I felt as though a divine voice spoke directly to me through her pen offering wisdom, courage, advice and the purest form of love one could offer. Marrouat uses a variety of poetic forms and styles, with works ranging in length and subject, but always on target with the impact and message one would expect from a master poetess. Emotionally and spiritually uplifting, Project: Heartbeats and Elevation truly is an elevating experience in words you do not want to miss."

Thoughts on Those who Fear Death by Cendrine Marrouat -  by Linda Copeland
"This collection of beautiful poetic offerings from Cendrine Marrouat is a must have for all of us! The hearts of readers will be opened to a different view of death and the dying. Whether you are suffering from a terminal illness or from the loss of a loved one, fear sometimes is strangling to the acceptance process. As soon as I read "Stillborn", I called my friend who just gave birth to a stillborn daughter to recommend this book. These poems are rich and satisfying. Cendrine's ability to stir both the visual and auditory senses is most evident in "Ripples". I read this poem aloud to hear the melodious resonance. Marrouat's magical use of imagery and her consistently perfect artistic form serve the reader well in each offering. Her touching poem called "To My Mother" undid me on first read. It was emotional, but as I re-read the poem, I felt the freedom Cendrine mentioned firsthand. I felt a connection emotionally to every poem in this anthology and will be forever changed by the experience. Everyone should read this book, not once, but often."

Project: Heartbeats and Elevation, Hope and Relaxation - by Stephanie Rollins
"In the introduction, Marrouat explains that she feels as if poetry is the least acknowledged art form. I do feel as if people have a mental block when it comes to poetry. This books is for those individuals who are not poetry experts. This is for every-day people. The running theme throughout this book is hope and relaxation. Of course, there is a religious undertone. This is a great pick-me-up gift for a friend. I recommend this."

Review from the Urban Book Source - by Push Nevada

Like any good literary fool (fool because we actually still believe in the transformative powers of good literature), I approached Cendrine Marrouat’s new book of poetry, Project: Heartbeats and Elevation, with caution and reserve. I didn’t know what to expect from a French Canadian poet, who’d once described her poetry as a blueprint for how she lives her life. Yet, with poems like God, Birth, Death, and Where the Heart Goes, Marrouat’s mission of love, peace, and harmony is clear and evident.

Beyond the deep spiritual intent of Marrouat’s work there is a political dimension as well. In the book’s introduction, Marrouat addresses the question of whether or not poetry is a fading art form. “According to many, poetry is on the verge of extinction, doomed to disappear in the miasma of mediocrity. However, those who condemn this art form do not realize how untrue it is. Poetry is not dying. It cannot die. It will not die.” With that statement, Marrouat’s “only purpose is to offer my vision of spirituality and God.”

Marrouat’s poems are pacifist and resistant in their attempts to make us believe in the beauty of life and the necessity of love. Major themes in her work are tolerance, spiritual healing, and, of course, God. The following poem strikes a particularly universal rhythmic chord:

Silence
Privately sings
Yet reaches all spirits,
Conversing in languages
Conscience comprehends and relishes.
Pleasures of the soul are many –
Feel them throbbing within.
They all start in
Silence… 

Marrouat’s  poetry is existentialist, and perhaps counter-cultural  – but not about political protest, cultural identity, or revolutionary fanaticism. Her work is not influenced by Camus, Sartre, or any other French artist. Instead, Marrouat’s work is guided by love and redemption:

But His guiding hand
Strokes and soothes fear and gloom.
Sister moonshine smiles
And Glory opens her arms
Wide to welcome you.

Marrouat’s poetry is tenuous at times, but also strong and powerful.  Readers may find it difficult to believe in the hopeful romanticism, surreal imagery, and spiritual metaphors, but one will find it very hard to resist Marrouat’s optimism. This collection of 62 poems provides a window into a new possibility of love redemption and belief in faith. Project: Heartbeats and Elevation is diffident, inspired, and honest.

What did you like about the book? 
It’s deeply spiritual optimism, and it’s broad universality.

What did you dislike about the book? 
She played the safe-card on many social/global issues, rather than engage them.

What could the author do to improve the book? 
Unlike Marrouat, I believe poetry should aim more towards socio-cultural critiques. I would’ve loved to see more social observations in Marrouat’s work.

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