Journey Through the Fire : Hedgehog Poetry Press : 9781916830219 : 1916830218 : 08 May 2024 : The poems in Journey Through the Fire speak of a troubled childhood with domineering parents and school bullies. Later, the years are plagued with chronic illnesses, that in time helps lead to a reconciliation. 'From within the confides of a difficult illness Julie Stevens gives voice to experience that is commonly hidden away behind labels and closed doors. She fights for recognition, the relief of expressing herself and the elation of small personal triumphs. She is not defined by illness but by her constant striving for emotional health - a striving that takes her deep into her own early history where she struggles to achieve justice in poems of spare and striking beauty. Journey Through the Fire demonstrates courage on the battlefield of the everyday. It transcends difficulties which are peculiar to Julie herself and homes in on joys, griefs and perplexities where her readers will see