CRUEL/CRUEL

CRUEL/CRUEL is a hybrid visual and literary work that explores the complexities of (un)belonging and identity through innovative lyric forms and genres of queerness and race, addressing the pervasive power of oppressive institutions and highlighting the archival and documentary as essential to personal and collective survival.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 88 pages
Publication date: 27 April 2023
Publisher: Nightboat Books

CRUEL/CRUEL is a powerful response to the unimaginable cruelties that became our new quotidian in 2020. It is a musical and discursive exploration that traverses innovative permutations of lyric form, moving with a sense of urgency and emotional depth.

At its core, CRUEL/CRUEL is the manifestation of a Black, queer voice grappling with the intricacies of (un)belonging and identity. These poems utilize genres of queerness and race to reckon with the pervasive power of oppressive institutions, shaped by art and a soundtrack of Black musical traditions of resistance. From jazz to soul to experimental to hip-hop, these musical traditions provide a rich tapestry of sounds that amplify the poetic messages of CRUEL/CRUEL.

As a hybrid visual and literary object, CRUEL/CRUEL feels relentlessly present, yet it also emphasizes the archival and documentary as intrinsic to our personal and collective survivals. The poems weave together personal experiences, historical narratives, and cultural references, creating a rich tapestry that reflects the complexities of our lived realities.

Through its innovative use of form and content, CRUEL/CRUEL challenges us to confront the harsh realities of our world while also offering hope and resilience. It is a testament to the power of art to heal, transform, and inspire, and a reminder that our stories and experiences are essential to shaping a more just and equitable future.

Weight: 180g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781643621586