From Sword to Pen by Peter Andrew Torruella is a collection of poetry that brings readers awareness of the realities of living with post-traumatic stress disorders from the author’s personal point of view. Although there are several poems that center on war or the experiences of a soldier, many are more personal and deal with issues like love or the self or recovery. The majority of the poems branch out from the standard orderly stanzas, with some winding across the page and echoing the sense of movement and need for emotional or mental freedom that is present in the text itself. In addition, the majority of the poems are short, but the impact that they have is anything but. These poems will leave you reeling, often with a sense of disillusionment or disassociation that causes you to pause and reconsider your thoughts and feelings.

Personally, I am huge fan of poetry, and so I enjoyed reading From Sword to Pen and allowing Torruella to take me on a journey and delve into his mind. His work is very powerful and charged, and leaves you with something to savor. Several of the poems stuck with me, even after reading, for various reasons. The haunting feeling of “Step Right Up” comes from the brief line length paired with a sort of internal rhyme that creates a feeling of repetition and madness that echoes throughout the poem. My absolute favorite in the collection is “Battle;” four lines long, consisting of a mere twelve words that leave readers with a growing sense of hope and optimism that marks a shift in the tones of the poems.

In a beautiful and heart breaking work of poetry by poet Peter Andrew Torruella, From Sword to Pen is a collection that will keep readers glued to the page, only taking a break to catch their breath, or a sob in their throat. Elegantly encapsulating Mr. Torruella's personal experiences and struggles with post traumatic stress disorder, this work is truly worth the read. Recounting military experiences as well as experiences once he is home, this book provides an honest glimpse into traumatic military experiences. The illustrations found throughout the book are a unique touch and provide another glimpse into the experiences shared through poetry.

From Sword to Pen is a lovely work, full of emotions - from anger to fear and even to love - that many, especially those with military experience, will be able to appreciate. Poet Peter Andrew Torruella has done what every truly great poet should do, and that is pour his feelings openly onto the page. Many readers will find some of his work difficult, but important to read in order to gain a good understanding of the feelings that many veterans may encounter related to their time in service. Any reader who enjoys poetry, military works, work about the aftermath of traumatic events, or just a wonderful and unique collection of poems should absolutely give From Sword to Pen a chance. I am pleased to be able to highly recommend this book, and I look forward to reading more from poet Peter Andrew Torruella as soon as I possibly can!

From Sword to Pen by Peter Andrew Torruella is a beautiful collection of short poems that cover a wide range of themes — liberty, nature, love and spirituality, life and death, the dignity of work, encounters and solitude, and a lot more. The title could indicate the passage of the author from a warrior to a poet, but the values he must have lived as a warrior come across powerfully in the entertaining and inspiring words of his poetry. The collection features free verses that are rhythmic, lines that are lyrical and at times laced with a lot of symbolism.

I was smitten with “A Child’s Prayer”, with the beauty of its language, and the imagery that sends any reader back to the days of their childhood, kneeling before their bed with lips pursed for the last prayer of the night. But these words are just too beautiful to ignore, so poignant, so touching: “And then I gather all my love, and pray / to our Lord God above / For when he speaks, my heart / does race; his love, I feel / caress my face.” And talking of death, Peter Andrew Torruella says: “A knock on the door and you’ll hear; a cold/ chilling noise to warn you he’s near…”

I also loved how the poet captures images, his poetic gaze lingering on what is essential, encompassing the merest gestures and signs, savoring the beauty in the fragments of life that are often left unnoticed. For instance, in “Unnatural Selection” he writes: “The sun, as it gracefully rises / The moon, as it gives its meaningful stare / the twilight / the twinkle / the stars as they glare…” From glorious songs raised to war heroes down to a twinkle, From Sword to Pen celebrates life in its different expressions. Readers will enjoy lingering on the images that accompany the poems. It is, indeed, a beautiful offering for fans of poetry.

From Sword to Pen, a collection of poetry by Peter Andrew Torruella, is a work that will certainly be much appreciated by anyone who has any fondness for poems at all. Delving into the poet's innermost feelings and demons, most of them stemming from his experiences as a member of the military, this group of poems provides a sometimes harrowing look into a soul damaged by trauma. Many of the poems are highlighted with illustrations, which also do a great deal to allow the reader to truly see inside the soul of the poet. A beautiful and haunting work, From Sword to Pen is a debut work that is truly not to be missed.

I found From Sword to Pen to be a very enlightening read, and one which opened up my eyes to the world of traumas suffered by members of the military, as well as the post traumatic stress that many of them must encounter. Poet Peter Andrew Torruella has allowed others a glimpse of what must be, at times, his tortured soul, but also provides hope for healing from the damage that one person can encounter. Lovers of poetry should absolutely purchase this book, and those who have a tie to the military in any way, whether they themselves were in the service or they have a family member or friend who has served, will also find this work particularly interesting. I can easily offer this book my highest recommendation, and certainly will keep an eye out for more work from the obviously talented poet, Peter Andrew Torruella, in the future!