Compelling and original poems to stir the soul.
Dates read: 20/11/24 to 21/11/24
Word to describe: Compelling
Star rating:⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Poetry, Feminist Poetry.
Trigger Warnings: suggestion of sexual violence, suggestion of violence towards immigrants and people of colour.
When a new poet immerge on the scene it is not often that their work is so coveted as one of the greats so quickly into the release of their new project. Published in 2019, Teeth in The Back of My Neck by Monika Radojevic has already won awards for its outstanding display of poetic literature. Split into two parts, The Teeth and The Neck, Radojevic excellently explores topics that evoke inspiration due to its gut-punching honestly and brutal imagery. Immigration, family, home, and womanhood centre as key themes of this collection with a relentless exploration of the intersectionality of life in a world that makes living so difficult.
Focusing on womanhood, Radojevic brilliantly explores the reality of sexual harassment using metaphors to liken the female body and relentless sexual violence to food being devoured in the awe-inspiring poem CAKE. In particular, I found this poem to resonate deeply. From delicious metaphors to the unnerving feeling of defeat, Radojevic is able to portray a stark reality with such beautiful vocabulary that there is a nervous juxtaposition between the topic of the poem and the way in which the topic is explored.
As the collection progresses there is a sense of longing, regret, and disparity that becomes apparent when Radojevic explores themes of family, home, and immigration. As a child of immigration, Radojevic is not shy when she approaches the topic of racism that has become more prevalent in the UK. Her writing becomes quick-witted, sharp, and brazen, as she brings to light false-activism and the lack of empathy towards children of colour and current states of affairs in HOW TO WEAVE A CHAIR*, 23ANDME, and A FEW BROWN BODIES. Using playful tones she is able to sarcastically portray the sense of which performative activism takes place.
This collection deserves five stars - and if it weren't for part two The Neck I would've had gladly and enthusiastically given Radojevic five stars for this necessary and impactful piece of writing. The Neck similarly showcases Radojevic's thrilling gift at poetry with more of that beautiful imagery, biting language and unapologetic rage. But, I felt although the powerful reactions that I was given in the first half had dissipated in the latter half. I truly applaud Monika Radojevic and I am eagerly awaiting her next release.
"After all, does a brown-bodied bird really yearn to fly free when all it has ever known is a cage?" - A FEW BROWN BODIES
"Cake is sickeningly sweet when smeared suggestively across your lips, by a man you don't know" - CAKE
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