Scan barcode
derry's review
5.0
An outstanding collection of heartfelt poetry and song that highlights the never changing racism inherent in the UK and the world. I wish more people would read and understand Zephaniah's words.
evieanne24's review
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
beautyistruth's review against another edition
5.0
A lot of poets, especially modern ones, are kind of 'blah' or overly self-conscious with their art but Zephaniah has something to say - the title Too Black, Too Strong is a good one that sums it up - and that I love. I love how he has a purpose and strength of feeling, a conscience - not only to ethnic minorities and women amongst other peoples, but towards animals - and his poems are wonderfully done in that they are able to create a situation - say, the arrival of shiploads of black people in Britain or the Palestinians in Bethlehem at Christmas, or the black boy from Birmingham where Zephaniah himself was born - and then movingly convey feeling that makes you think, or is inspiring and rousing.
The poems rhyme and they flow with a readability. These poems are largely political and social. My only criticism would be that sometimes I feel that he veers too wildly left as a somewhat radical visionary rather than considering that there can be drawbacks or justifications for both sides in cases.
Zephaniah is not a coward like so many writers and poets can be, in other words. Or they simply don't actually even suffer or experience strong enough discontent with what is wrong with the world in their privileged and myopic views. Either way, this is refreshing and the best thing that I've read in a long time. I enjoyed it.
The poems rhyme and they flow with a readability. These poems are largely political and social. My only criticism would be that sometimes I feel that he veers too wildly left as a somewhat radical visionary rather than considering that there can be drawbacks or justifications for both sides in cases.
Zephaniah is not a coward like so many writers and poets can be, in other words. Or they simply don't actually even suffer or experience strong enough discontent with what is wrong with the world in their privileged and myopic views. Either way, this is refreshing and the best thing that I've read in a long time. I enjoyed it.
thesinginglights's review
4.0
It's unintended but the most chilling thing about this collection is how the social issues that Zephaniah (racism, prejudice, war, etc.) are still poignant today. If you presented this to someone and did not tell them when it was published and asked them when these poems were written they'd likely say in the last few years, not 2001.
What Zephaniah lacks in the elaborate metres and metaphorical trappings of the poetry priesthood, he makes up for an impassioned punk-like honesty, so brutal you cannot turn away. It will have echoes on how I think about poetry going forward.
Recommended for the beginner and experienced reader alike. You'll likely feel something new.
What Zephaniah lacks in the elaborate metres and metaphorical trappings of the poetry priesthood, he makes up for an impassioned punk-like honesty, so brutal you cannot turn away. It will have echoes on how I think about poetry going forward.
Recommended for the beginner and experienced reader alike. You'll likely feel something new.
hannahh's review
challenging
dark
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
I absolutely love Zephaniah's poetry, he is an amazing role model.
thesinginglights's review against another edition
4.0
It's unintended but the most chilling thing about this collection is how the social issues that Zephaniah (racism, prejudice, war, etc.) are still poignant today. If you presented this to someone and did not tell them when it was published and asked them when these poems were written they'd likely say in the last few years, not 2001.
What Zephaniah lacks in the elaborate metres and metaphorical trappings of the poetry priesthood, he makes up for an impassioned punk-like honesty, so brutal you cannot turn away. It will have echoes on how I think about poetry going forward.
Recommended for the beginner and experienced reader alike. You'll likely feel something new.
What Zephaniah lacks in the elaborate metres and metaphorical trappings of the poetry priesthood, he makes up for an impassioned punk-like honesty, so brutal you cannot turn away. It will have echoes on how I think about poetry going forward.
Recommended for the beginner and experienced reader alike. You'll likely feel something new.
More...