A review by emtay
Open Throat by Henry Hoke

dark funny reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

It’s a terrible choice but I’m making it - like a person… I retract my claws and try to become the kitten at the center of myself” (154-156)
Not prose but verse. I believe the central tenant of poetry is personal or collective expression in the face of the inadequacy of language; Hecate (“heckit”) embodies this by slowly adapting and butchering human English, by continuing to try to express, and Hoke’s form follows.

The subtlety of examples allow me to see the LA I know. To hate it. But to deeply recognize my home in it. Not unlike Hecate. 

Surprisingly emotional, intuitive, and clever while being read in a single sitting. Recommended by Rebecca. 
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