A review by helterskelliter
Against Which by Ross Gay
4.0
“If there is a history, and I think there is, I do not think I own it.” (32)
It would be disingenuous to try and reduce Gay’s collection to being any one thing.
This work spans so many poignant issues, from grief and loss to racism and human cruelty. These poems unflinchingly articulate, remember, witness some of life’s most unfair and lasting pains—the ones you suffer and endure but have no recourse for addressing.
Gay has put so much of himself into this collection—his experiences, his memories, his regrets, and his hopes. Despite the sorrows, this collection is not mournful. It’s subtle like a hammer—but, it doesn’t want to wound you.
This collection manages to be profound and analytical while at the same time down to earth and human.
I highly recommend this collection, especially for readers interested in learning more about the lived experiences of black people and how dismantling racism and hatred is a grievous process and yet a labor of love.
It would be disingenuous to try and reduce Gay’s collection to being any one thing.
This work spans so many poignant issues, from grief and loss to racism and human cruelty. These poems unflinchingly articulate, remember, witness some of life’s most unfair and lasting pains—the ones you suffer and endure but have no recourse for addressing.
Gay has put so much of himself into this collection—his experiences, his memories, his regrets, and his hopes. Despite the sorrows, this collection is not mournful. It’s subtle like a hammer—but, it doesn’t want to wound you.
This collection manages to be profound and analytical while at the same time down to earth and human.
I highly recommend this collection, especially for readers interested in learning more about the lived experiences of black people and how dismantling racism and hatred is a grievous process and yet a labor of love.