butchriarchy's review
4.0
Forceful, impactful, and recurring imagery make this collection engaging to read. I'm not versed enough in this area of history to make specific commentary, but I did enjoy a lot of Adonis's critiques of the state here. I think his invocation of Whitman is especially significant as the cultural divide still unites them in a way; at the same time, Adonis does make (fitting) scathing remarks toward America, which subverts Whitman's incredibly evident patriotism. It makes for an interesting treatise on perceptions both on and of the West. I was previously only familiar with fragments of Adonis's poetry, mostly romantic, so I was delighted to read something in a different vein of his. It makes me wonder why his political work isn't as widely shared, though it's very evident to me at the same time. I do want to read more of his work after this!
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