If They Come For Us

Fatimah Asghar's debut collection explores queerness, grief, Muslim identity, partition, and being a woman of color in a white supremacist world. It combines experimental forms and language with marginalized people's histories to explore identity, place, and belonging.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 128 pages
\n Publication date: 21 February 2019
\n Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group
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Fatimah Asghar's debut collection is a powerful and emotional journey that delves into the depths of human experience. With its urgent and compelling tone, it explores a wide range of themes, including queerness, grief, Muslim identity, partition, and being a woman of color in a white supremacist world.

The collection is filled with fragments of history that have shaped the world we live in today, and Asghar's exploration of these themes is both profound and thought-provoking. Through her poetry, she sheds light on the experiences of marginalized communities and challenges the dominant narratives that often exclude them.

One of the standout aspects of the collection is its exploration of queerness. Asghar tackles the complexities of gender and sexuality with honesty and vulnerability, offering a fresh perspective on the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals. Her poems explore the struggles and joys of coming out, the complexities of relationships, and the search for belonging in a society that often marginalizes those who are different.

Grief is another theme that is central to the collection. Asghar explores the profound impact of loss and the ways in which it shapes our identities. Her poems evoke a sense of longing and nostalgia, as well as the pain and anger that can accompany grief. Through her poetry, she offers a glimpse into the emotional landscape of those who have lost loved ones, and provides a space for healing and reflection.

Muslim identity is another theme that is explored in depth in the collection. Asghar examines the complexities of being a Muslim woman in a society that often stereotypes and marginalizes them. Through her poetry, she challenges the stereotypes and offers a nuanced and complex portrayal of Muslim women. She explores the intersection of religion, culture, and identity, and offers a glimpse into the experiences of those who navigate the dual identities of being Muslim and American.

Partition is another historical event that is explored in the collection. Asghar reflects on the impact of the partition on her family and her community, and offers a poignant portrayal of the trauma and displacement that it caused. Through her poetry, she explores the legacy of partition and the ways in which it continues to shape the lives of those who were affected by it.

Being a woman of color in a white supremacist world is yet another theme that is explored in the collection. Asghar tackles the challenges and struggles that women of color face in a society that often perpetuates racism and discrimination. Through her poetry, she offers a voice to those who are often silenced and provides a space for them to express their experiences and emotions.

The collection is also notable for its experimental forms and language. Asghar seamlessly blends traditional poetic forms with contemporary experimental techniques, creating a unique and engaging style that is both lyrical and raw. Her use of language is powerful and evocative, and she has a talent for capturing the essence of a moment in just a few words.

Overall, Fatimah Asghar's debut collection is a must-read for anyone who is interested in poetry and the human experience. It is a powerful and emotional journey that explores a wide range of themes and offers a fresh perspective on the world we live in. Through her poetry, Asghar challenges the dominant narratives and provides a space for marginalized communities to express their experiences and emotions.

\n Weight: 126g\n
Dimension: 128 x 197 x 11 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781472154620\n \n