War is not my Mother

A series of poetic remixes, "WAR IS NOT MY MOTHER," infuses other poets' works with an idiolect of pleasure and pain, questioning notions of authenticity and self in poetic production.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 138 pages
Publication date: 05 October 2023
Publisher: Clash Books

A captivating and innovative literary exploration, WAR IS NOT MY MOTHER can be perceived as a form of spiritual possession. Within this manuscript, each poem takes on the essence of another poet's work, spanning a diverse range of influences from Lorca to CD Wright, Hồ Xuân Hương to Sappho, Agha Shahid Ali to Ishrat Afreen. What sets this collection apart is the infusion of an entirely new idiolect, one that blends elements of pleasure and pain. The Vietnamese language, with its playful wordplay, puns, and cadence, serves as a conduit for expressing both the joys and sorrows associated with the long-lasting impact of the Vietnam war on the lives of those who survived, barely survived, and became refugees.

Like a possessing spirit, WAR IS NOT MY MOTHER communicates through the use of other words, allowing the author to articulate their personal pain in a unique and powerful way. By stripping away the original context and content of the selected poems, the collection emerges as a vibrant play of voices that challenge traditional notions of authenticity and self-expression in poetic production. This postmodern twist on the classical craft offers a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on the art form.

Through the meticulous remixing and reimagining of other poets' works, WAR IS NOT MY MOTHER invites readers to explore the depths of human emotion and experience. The poems in this collection become mutant-hybrids, retaining a trace of their skeletal structure while donning entirely new garments. This fusion of influences creates a tapestry of voices that resonate with readers on a profound level, encouraging them to question their own perspectives and engage in a deeper exploration of the human condition.

In conclusion, WAR IS NOT MY MOTHER is a remarkable literary achievement that showcases the power of creativity, innovation, and the human spirit. By blending elements of pleasure and pain, and employing a postmodern twist on the classical craft, the author has created a collection that is both captivating and thought-provoking. This manuscript invites readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery and exploration, challenging them to embrace the complexities of the human experience and to appreciate the beauty that can be found even in the darkest of times.

Weight: 250g
Dimension: 152 x 230 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781955904766