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katnortonwriter's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.75
This is what I love about poetry… it’s an art form that uses language to convey emotion without the burden of narrative. While the focus is obviously different, I believe that readers of RIFQA and Things You May Find Hidden In My Ear will recognize themes regarding borders and marginalization. Until I was already reading, I didn’t realize that this book would address intersectional queer issues, too.
This collection is both political and personal, and not a single punch is pulled. If this chapbook doesn’t make you feel something, I don’t know what to say. My only regret is my abysmal Spanish.
carpenoctumpoetry's review against another edition
4.0
With imagery as visceral as it is beautiful, guillotine creates a disorienting and even devastated landscape for exploration. I found the "Testaments" section to be especially evocative.
raynaforreal's review against another edition
5.0
Gorgeous, electric, raw. Immaculate imagery and perfect prose come together to make up the stunning stories of this absolute masterpiece. Can't rave enough about this collection of poems.
micaelacccc's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Racism, Self harm, Trafficking, Blood, Fatphobia, Physical abuse, Violence, and Hate crime
gardant's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Hate crime, Rape, and Homophobia
shanviolinlove's review against another edition
4.0
Explosive images arise in Corral's latest collection. Bodies in the Sonora desert, graffiti etched by both migrants and racists in water station barrels, histories unraveling through fragmented memories and tender dialogues from a father's son or a former lover. Guillotine thoughtfully and boldly considers race, politics, migration, and sexuality with nods to Lorca, Rita Dove, and Whitman. Occasional poems use language we've all seen before in contemporary poetry, so I can't give it an A+ in creativity, but the poems in which Corral's ingenuity shines are dynamic and haunting.
cgcpoems's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
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
3.25
This is a difficult book for me to rate. I think Corral is clearly a fantastic writer. The way he plays with form and pulls in other art/places etc into his work is really incredible. But a lot of these poems fell short for me. They weren’t individually memorable, though the collection as a whole is one that will certainly stick with me. This is a collection I’ll have to sit with for a while.
thebeardedpoet's review against another edition
4.0
Monologues and collages weave through this collection as it portrays the suffering, strain for survival, and oft times death of immigrants attempting to cross the border. Also there are instances where the perspective of Boarder Patrol Agents are offered. In the way Corral manifests voices who tell grim and realistic tales, I was reminded of Carolyn Forché's The Country Between Us. I found it a painful yet beautiful read. Corral definitely writes intense poetry.
kflorsheim's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
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
4.25