35 Sonnets

35 Sonnets for the 21st Century reimagines the timeless art of the sonnet, drawing inspiration from Fernando Pessoa's 35 Sonnets (1918), which is included at the end of this collection. While Pessoa's work explored philosophical and existential themes in the English sonnet tradition, Sarah B. Royal moves the form forward, introducing a distinctly modern and female voice to the conversation.

This collection blends tradition with innovation, featuring classical sonnet forms such as Italian, French, English, Curtal, Contracted, Kyrielle, and Spenserian, while also expanding the boundaries of the form with irregular, modern, and experimental sonnets. Some poems directly mirror Pessoa's themes and imagery, offering a fresh perspective, while others push the sonnet into new territories, proving its adaptability in the 21st century.

To enrich the reader's experience, this collection includes sonnet definitions and explanations, shedding light on the evolution of this enduring poetic form. Whether you are a lover of classic verse or an explorer of contemporary poetry, 35 Sonnets for the 21st Century invites you into a world where structure meets reinvention, and where the sonnet continues to evolve.