A review by jpov
Best of Isele Anthology by Ukamaka Olisakwe

4.0

The Best of Isele Anthology sheds a light on pieces of work from authors who are mostly from different parts of Africa but also from other parts of the world as well. Each piece carries itself in its own way but they have a rhythm that follows each other. The book contains four sections: fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and short stories. I always tend to lean towards short stories but I found myself really gravitating towards the pieces from the fiction and nonfiction section. My favorites included Feeling Your Way Home, The Year Of The Son, The Only One I Have Not Lost, What It Means To Be Free, and Serengeti Saga. It wouldn’t do the pieces I’ve read any justice to solely say they all are moving and bring out a lot of emotions in me. It is true but I don’t think it showcases how each piece is specific and defining in its details. Each piece is like having an orange. Some are sweeter while some have a tang that makes your jaw clench. The writing I’ve read gave me a mix of these feelings but in the end you went in for another bite.

Thank you to NetGalley and Iskanchi Press for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.