Of Death, Contagion, and Unnatural Sleep by Tyler Deaton is a hauntingly beautiful collection of poetry that plunges readers into the dark undercurrents of mortality, decay, and the disquieting anxieties of modern existence. Through an intricate tapestry of narrative fragments, surreal imagery, and philosophical musings, Deaton crafts an unforgettable exploration of life's fragility and the mysteries that linger in its shadows.

The collection's standout feature is its extended poems, divided into numbered sections that echo the fragmented, dreamlike rhythm of memory and loss. Venetian landscapes shimmer with an eerie allure, shadows take on lives of their own, and familial bonds are both anchors and specters in a world slipping through the fingers of time. Recurring motifs of shadow and light blur the boundaries between reality and illusion, pulling readers into a labyrinth of reflection and revelation.

Deaton's masterful use of diverse forms and styles imbues each poem with a sense of urgency and transcendence, making Of Death, Contagion, and Unnatural Sleep a spellbinding meditation on the human condition. Bold, evocative, and deeply resonant, this collection invites readers to confront their own fears and desires while wandering through its dreamlike, mesmerizing landscapes.