merbearmer's review against another edition
4.0
I feel like I would have enjoyed this poetry collection more if I was well-versed in Audre Lorde's life or in analyzing poetry, but I'm afraid a lot of these poems went over my head. That being said, from what I did understand I do think Audre Lorde had a way of weaving herself through the language she was using in order to wring out the full meanings of words, if that makes any sense. I really wish we had analyzed her poetry in school rather than poetry by people like Robert Frost.
madding78's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
lewa's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
robinks's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
I like Lorde’s prose better than their poetry. The imagery was a bit hard to follow at times.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Police brutality, Racism, and Child death
Moderate: Blood, Violence, Homophobia, Rape, and Slavery
Minor: Incest
nick_jenkins's review against another edition
5.0
A really remarkable collection. In each poem, there are two or three moments of jolting surprise and immediate recognition, or identification, or agreement, or pleasure. Lorde's facility with language is incredible; there is a sinuousness to her word choice which constantly challenges and excites while still seeming to keep something in reserve. There is a marvelous tension between control and anger throughout, not like clenched teeth or balled fists, but like an inner iron resolve palpable at each moment.
bookwyrm_kate's review against another edition
4.0
Agony and beauty. Carefully contained fury. Really powerful images. Disturbing, heart-wrenching, and altogether human. There is strength here, and survival. I'll be thinking about her words for a long time.