Marionette by Allen Vartanian

In this collection of original poetry, Armenian-American poet Allen Vartanian masterfully weaves together themes of connection, manipulation, self-love and autonomy, inviting readers to reflect on and reclaim their own narratives.

Are we the masters of our own narratives? Who pulls the strings in our lives?

These are the very questions Vartanian asks in his newest collection of contemporary poetry, marionette. Filled with short poems that pack a heavy punch and finely attuned illustrations that highlight the tangled narrative of love, manipulation and freedom, marionette is guaranteed to touch readers’ hearts.

The collection is broken into five sections — connection, manipulation, self-love, autonomy and reflections — with a sonnet marking the progression between each. As the titles might suggest, the poems follow a story — one filled with both melancholy and triumph.

“Vartanian’s poetry is brimming with raw, poignant emotions that are heightened by his mastery of poetic language and metaphor. His openness and lyrical skill make him a compelling voice in contemporary poetry. Readers will not only be moved by his beautiful lyricism but also inspired to cut the strings that bind them and take control of their lives.” — Katie Bloomer, BookTrib

Allen Vartanian, an Armenian-American poet, artist and songwriter, is more recognizable under the guise of his Instagram handle, @cdlv. He was born and raised in Los Angeles and moved to New York City in his twenties, where he refined his artistic abilities and evolved his unique perspectives. His journey into the realm of poetry was significantly fueled by the loss of his father as a young adult, a poignant life event that drastically shaped his worldview. Born with cerebral palsy, he channels strength through vulnerability and breaking boundaries, recurrent themes intricately woven into his verse.

You can find marionette on Amazon.