Dominican author and poet Anella Shillingford has introduced her latest literary endeavor, “Feels Like Home,” a unique fusion of poetry, music, and memory. Described as a “literary mixtape,” the work delves into themes of love, healing, and belonging, offering readers an intimate and soulful experience. Shillingford’s collection combines poetic prose, free verse, found poems, and lyrical storytelling, creating a narrative that resonates like a heartfelt playlist for the soul. Inspired by her deep connection to Caribbean culture and soundscapes, the author employs rhythmic patterns and repeated motifs to evoke movement and emotion through her words. Shillingford describes the work as “nostalgia captured on paper,” likening it to a warm hug or a comforting cup of cocoa tea. Since her debut in 2019 with “Bonfire,” which explored themes of womanhood and resilience, Shillingford has continued to enrich Caribbean literature. Her second collection, “Of Rivers and Oceans” (2022), examined identity, nature, and love. Rooted in the rhythms and languages of the Caribbean, her writing amplifies Black women’s voices, memory, and the transformative power of words.
