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l_nolastname's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
3.7/5.0 Stars
I saw DarkMatter perform their #ItGetsBitter poetry in 2016. It was clear then that Alok was a gifted performer and talented writer. While Janani was clearly the personality and confidence of the duo. And while I don't personally care for Janani's poetry, it's not to say that it's not good, it's just that the quality of the works are very inconsistent and can't compete with Alok's writing; although 9/11: a love story was inspired. However, Alok's poetry isn't without its own faults. The prose at times are a bit cliched with queer stereotypes, and heavy handed with "woke" buzzwords. And yet, the artistry lies in how well they're used to affect the reader's sensibilities. I feel, for me at least, that if DarkMatter hadn't insist upon becoming the voice of a BIPOC Queer/Trans generation, then they probably would have been.
And one last note, if you're white or identify yourself as white, regardless of where you land on the queer spectrum, don't bother reading this. This isn't for you nor will you be able to comprehend the nuances that this work is steeped in. In fact you'll probably get offended the moment you read, It Gets Bourgie Project (which is so on point that it transcends time and space itself, and is an instant classic of satirical work). Neither will you get any cool woke ally points. Somethings aren't for everyone and that's ok. And acknowledging and respecting that is even better.
I saw DarkMatter perform their #ItGetsBitter poetry in 2016. It was clear then that Alok was a gifted performer and talented writer. While Janani was clearly the personality and confidence of the duo. And while I don't personally care for Janani's poetry, it's not to say that it's not good, it's just that the quality of the works are very inconsistent and can't compete with Alok's writing; although 9/11: a love story was inspired. However, Alok's poetry isn't without its own faults. The prose at times are a bit cliched with queer stereotypes, and heavy handed with "woke" buzzwords. And yet, the artistry lies in how well they're used to affect the reader's sensibilities. I feel, for me at least, that if DarkMatter hadn't insist upon becoming the voice of a BIPOC Queer/Trans generation, then they probably would have been.
And one last note, if you're white or identify yourself as white, regardless of where you land on the queer spectrum, don't bother reading this. This isn't for you nor will you be able to comprehend the nuances that this work is steeped in. In fact you'll probably get offended the moment you read, It Gets Bourgie Project (which is so on point that it transcends time and space itself, and is an instant classic of satirical work). Neither will you get any cool woke ally points. Somethings aren't for everyone and that's ok. And acknowledging and respecting that is even better.
Content Warnings
Minor: Body shaming, Bullying, Dysphoria, Hate crime, Homophobia, Islamophobia, Racism, Religious bigotry, Self harm, Suicide attempt, Transphobia, and Xenophobia
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