Book Review - Shout: An Anthology of Resistance Poetry and Short Fictiom

I seldom post book reviews on this blog any more; it became tedious, and there are plenty of review sites around. But this anthology, soon to be released, is one I'd like to talk about.

I received an advance copy from the publisher of this anthology for the purpose of review, and I feel privileged to have done so. Over recent years I've become accustomed to a slight cringe when opening the work of lesser-known writers, and so the sheer professionalism of this book was the first thing to appeal. Ah, but the content!

I'm not really qualified to review poetry, so all I can say about the poems is that I enjoyed them, they spoke to the heart. The stories, though! Despite the uniformly dystopian visions presented, every single one of these stories was an absolute pleasure to read. Personal favourites of mine were No Collision, by Jennifer Lee Rossman, and Emma's Knives by Karen Eisenbrey, the former for its sharp and humorous wit, which is served unerringly with a light and precise hand, and never overdone, a thing not easy, and the latter for its endearing portrayal of one person's lone fight, and for the charming contrast of the traditional recipes.

There is far less protest fiction being published in today's America than there ought to be; in recent years we have seen the world's view of this country degenerating from slightly patronising friendliness to appalled horror, loathing and terror. This fine piece of work will, I hope, form a spearhead to a new literary movement.

If you're American, read it because you need it. If you're not, read it because it's excellent short fiction.

Shout will be released on 2 February, and can be pre-ordered HERE.