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A review by vladdbad
Look by Solmaz Sharif
challenging
dark
sad
fast-paced
5.0
These poems are an interesting reflection of the scars that wars leave... And a reminder that there are no good guys in the politics of violence. As an American soldier, I can't say I exactly *endorse* her perspective or find it the whole story... But my perspective is enriched for having read it.
II doubt if I met her in person we'd agree on much, and based on some of her poems there might even be some significant tension. But there is a power to her words, and some of her techniques (especially in the poems composed as though taken from redacted letters to a prisoner) are intriguing. The collection as a whole has strength.
It is also a potent reminder that at least for Iran and Iraq, my enemy's enemy is oft enough still my own. Dichotomies don't seem to do well, there.
II doubt if I met her in person we'd agree on much, and based on some of her poems there might even be some significant tension. But there is a power to her words, and some of her techniques (especially in the poems composed as though taken from redacted letters to a prisoner) are intriguing. The collection as a whole has strength.
It is also a potent reminder that at least for Iran and Iraq, my enemy's enemy is oft enough still my own. Dichotomies don't seem to do well, there.
Content Warnings
Minor: Islamophobia, Torture, and Violence
Poetry reflective of the family of some of those lost in the Iran-Iraq War.