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scruffie's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death and Blood
Minor: Drug abuse
stanro's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Brand New Ancients by Kae Tempest is a new epic poem, winning a prestigious award in 2013. Its content is grounded in rough working class England.
It speaks to the courage and dignity and weakness and cowardice of its various characters. With great compassion.
This is performance poetry. This is rap. It is poetry to be read to a musical accompaniment, so I strongly suggest that you read it on audio (or listen, if my use of “read” puts you off). At about 80 minutes I read it in one sitting and am going to read it again very soon. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Footnote - Kate Tempest announced in 2020 that they wished to be known as Kae, hence the apparent typo on the cover of their 2013 publication.
It speaks to the courage and dignity and weakness and cowardice of its various characters. With great compassion.
This is performance poetry. This is rap. It is poetry to be read to a musical accompaniment, so I strongly suggest that you read it on audio (or listen, if my use of “read” puts you off). At about 80 minutes I read it in one sitting and am going to read it again very soon. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Footnote - Kate Tempest announced in 2020 that they wished to be known as Kae, hence the apparent typo on the cover of their 2013 publication.
Content Warnings
Minor: Violence and Injury/Injury detail