Victoria West published her debut poetry novel on Oct. 28, 2021

By: Ionna Hipolito

To find beauty where it may not often be present, and to discover hope where life may not always offer hope, is a gift only the truest of optimists possess. 

Canadian writer Victoria West’s latest poetry release, Sunset in Toronto, explores the themes of life, loss, love and family. West divides the book into three sections: Feelings, Experiences and Places.

For 10 years, West wrote about fashion in Toronto and was involved in different events in the fashion scene. “It was really enjoyable … and I enjoyed every minute of it,” she explained. But with this new release of poetry, West is excited to start a new chapter in her life. 

When COVID-19 came along, West felt as if her social life plummeted, like everyone else’s. With the lack of social activities, West began working from home, and there came an increase in her creative endeavours. “I had not attended any more fashion events during these past two years because of COVID,” noted West. Naturally, this is how her attention shifted from fashion to poetry. 

Sunset in Toronto came to be because West began reading poetry books and finally gained the inspiration to start writing her own. For many, poetry is typically subjective and enables them to absorb thoughts and feelings meaningfully. Others read poetry to find someone to relate to — to lose themselves in somebody else’s world and revel in the wonders of their words. 

The book highlights what it means to connect emotions with the mind; West ensured that her audience could recognize these emotions each time they go through the pages and ensured that her writing did not make readers feel pity. Instead, readers can understand her point of view, even as far as feeling understood themselves. Sunset in Toronto is an easy and engaging read, as the real-life narrative explored throughout the book magnifies what it means to look forward to every moment the reader experiences for the rest of their life.

Poetry can tell a small story alone or portray an existing situation. In the case of Sunset in Toronto, West’s life is conveyed in a storytelling format. Many compelling poems are only a few lines long but still have many layers that readers can unpack. 

This poetry book is a dedication to West’s late mother. It gives readers a glimpse into some of the happiest — and most vulnerable — moments of her life. 

Sunset in Toronto includes many familial-related poems that warm even the coldest hearts. The love West has for her mother and son was a constant throughout the book.

With this, West wishes her mother were here to read the book herself and expressed that maybe the poetry would have looked different if her mother had been there to read it.

“I would have wanted her to be a part of it, to witness it,” West expressed. “I simply wish we had more time, but the bottom line is … it’s never enough when you lose a parent. You think it’s never enough.”

Only a person who is sure of themselves can be such a positive example of love for those around her. Everyone has a different opinion about love and what it takes for them to communicate it. But for West, one way of expressing love was reading her son to sleep every night when he was a baby. “He grew to love books and is a big reader now … I loved tucking him in at night.” 

There is a clear description of all kinds of love in many stages throughout Sunset in Toronto. The intimacy and closeness West has with her family allowed her to explore a wide range of emotions, from extreme joy and compassion to grieving, which made her writing compelling and relatable. 

After a handful of hardships, it emphasizes her progress in achieving self-appreciation, independence and overall self-love. West suggests that anyone who has experienced a breakup or has indulged in romantic explorations to explore themselves. She said that “self-love is a good way to help you overcome the pain … and take care of yourself. Take care of your heart.”

West’s Sunset in Toronto paints a perfect picture of the most significant moments in the author’s life, even the most painful parts. Her words show what it means to live life to the fullest. Despite this being her first poetry book, West’s work is insightful and evocative of powerful personal sentiment. She fell in love with this city, “a city where everyone can find their place. [I] found my place, and I was happy for that.”

The recorded feelings, experiences and travels are available for anyone to read. Don’t miss out on this gem and pick up a copy for yourself. Maybe it will help you find your place too— or get on the path towards it.