Scan barcode
thebookworm777's review against another edition
5.0
I always enjoy being introduced to an author's canon first through a selected works collection as it allows me to identify what era of their work I am most likely to enjoy. Duma's first two poetry books have firmly made it to my "must-read" list and I cannot wait for the opportunity to explore his non-poetic pieces. It is a tragedy that the world does not have more of Dumas' work and that he has not received greater recognition.
Dumas' ability to construct poems in a wide range of voices that reflect different socio-economic backgrounds and perspectives shows him to be a master of language. A strong, socially conscious storyteller who effortlessly incorporates musical elements into his work, Dumas manages in his poetry to touch on everything from the romantic and sensual to the harshness of being a minority in the United States. This is the kind of collection that begs you to find a quiet corner to read it from as you take in the weight of Dumas' words.
Poems that really stood out to me:
"Hunt," "Son of Msippi," "Somnus," "Island Within Island," "My Little Boy," "Rose Jungle," "A Song of Flesh," "Love Song," "Tis of Thee," Concentration Camp Blues," "Mississippi Song," "Take This River," "Fingers," "America," "Kef 27," "Kef 2," "Kef 30," "Ikef 18: Breathe with Me," "Shaba," "Saba: Joy," "East Saint Hell," "Brown Sound"
Dumas' ability to construct poems in a wide range of voices that reflect different socio-economic backgrounds and perspectives shows him to be a master of language. A strong, socially conscious storyteller who effortlessly incorporates musical elements into his work, Dumas manages in his poetry to touch on everything from the romantic and sensual to the harshness of being a minority in the United States. This is the kind of collection that begs you to find a quiet corner to read it from as you take in the weight of Dumas' words.
Poems that really stood out to me:
"Hunt," "Son of Msippi," "Somnus," "Island Within Island," "My Little Boy," "Rose Jungle," "A Song of Flesh," "Love Song," "Tis of Thee," Concentration Camp Blues," "Mississippi Song," "Take This River," "Fingers," "America," "Kef 27," "Kef 2," "Kef 30," "Ikef 18: Breathe with Me," "Shaba," "Saba: Joy," "East Saint Hell," "Brown Sound"
More...