The Stars in the Pool: A Prose Poem for Lovers by Edna Kingsley Wallace

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The Stars in the Pool: A Prose Poem for Lovers by Edna Kingsley Wallace

(1 User reviews) 508

By Betty Koch Posted on Mar 30, 2026

In Category - Focus Skills

Authors: Wallace, Edna Kingsley Published By : Wallace, Edna Kingsley

Book Language: English

Okay, so I just finished this book that’s been sitting on my nightstand, and I have to tell you about it. It’s called 'The Stars in the Pool,' and calling it a novel doesn’t feel quite right. It’s more like a long, whispered secret between two people. The whole thing is written as a prose poem from a woman to her lover, looking back on their life together. But here’s the catch—it’s not just a sweet love letter. There’s this quiet, haunting question running through every page: Did they truly know each other, or did they just love the idea of each other? She’s retelling their shared history—the first meeting, the small fights, the big dreams—but you start to wonder what she’s leaving out. What memories is she polishing like smooth stones, and which sharp, painful ones is she hiding? It’s less about a plot twist and more about the slow, sinking feeling that the person you share a bed with can be the greatest mystery of all. If you’ve ever looked at someone you love and felt a sudden, strange distance, this book will echo in your bones. It’s beautiful, but it’s a beautiful ache.

File: The Stars in the Pool: A Prose Poem for Lovers by Edna Kingsley Wallace

Let's get this out of the way: if you're looking for a book with a fast-paced plot and clear chapters, this isn't it. 'The Stars in the Pool' is an experience. It's one continuous flow of memory and emotion, written as a prose poem from an older woman to the man she has shared her life with.

The Story

The 'story' is the story of a relationship, told in fragments. There is no named narrator, no named lover. We move through the stages of their life: the electric shock of first attraction, the comfortable routine of building a home, the silent tensions that grow over years, and the deep, weathered love that remains. The central image—stars reflected in a dark pool—becomes everything: their first night together, dreams they had, moments of clarity, and the unsettling truth that a reflection is not the real thing. The conflict isn't a single event; it's the lifelong struggle to merge two separate universes into one shared sky.

Why You Should Read It

I picked this up because the title was pretty. I put it down feeling like I'd overheard something profoundly private. Wallace's writing doesn't just describe feelings; it enacts them. The sentences swell and retreat like breath. She captures those tiny, unspoken moments in a partnership—the way a sigh can mean a thousand different things. This book made me think about my own relationships, about the stories we tell ourselves about the people we love. It’s not a cynical book, but it is an honest one. It suggests that love isn't about solving the mystery of another person, but about choosing to admire the constellation of their soul, even when some of the stars seem to flicker and fade.

Final Verdict

This is a book for a quiet afternoon or a sleepless night. Perfect for anyone who loves language that feels liquid and lush, or for readers who prefer emotional truth over action-packed narrative. If you enjoyed the vibe of works like 'The Sea, The Sea' by Iris Murdoch or the poetic depth of Michael Ondaatje, you'll find a friend here. It's a short read, but a heavy one—the kind of book you don't just read, but feel. Keep it for when you're in a reflective mood and ready to look, as the book does, into your own deep pools.