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shoshin's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
4.25
I walked away with a sad, sticky feeling. The description talks about being empowered, but all I felt at the end was that the girl, too, would float away and never be seen again.
embot77's review against another edition
3.0
"Girls that Never Die" by Safia Elhillo offers a complex and introspective exploration of femininity, identity, and the societal constructs that shape women's lives. Throughout the collection, Elhillo delves into the nuances of womanhood, challenging traditional notions and reclaiming agency in the face of adversity.
One of the standout poems in the collection is "Tony Soprano's Tender Machismo," which confronts the toxic masculinity embedded in our culture. Elhillo masterfully blurs the lines between fictional characters like Tony Soprano and real-life male relatives, highlighting the pervasive nature of harmful attitudes towards women. The poem forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths about the ways in which women are often dismissed, victim-blamed, and silenced.
However, while the collection boasts thought-provoking themes and powerful imagery, there are moments where clarity is sacrificed for ambiguity. In the seventh stanza of "Tony Soprano's Tender Machismo," the reference to "they" is somewhat unclear, leaving readers unsure of the intended subject. While this ambiguity may be intentional, it detracts from the overall impact of the poem and muddles its message.
Despite this weakness, "Girls that Never Die" remains a compelling read that sparks important conversations about feminism, representation, and the lived experiences of women. Elhillo's voice is bold and unapologetic, challenging readers to reexamine their own perspectives and confront the realities of misogyny in today's society.
In "Tony Soprano's Tender Machismo," Elhillo's speaker is confronted with derogatory and dismissive language about women from relatives. If given the chance to respond, I would firmly challenge these harmful attitudes, emphasizing the importance of empathy, respect, and accountability in our interactions with others. I would highlight the prevalence of victim-blaming and the damaging impact it has on survivors, urging my relatives to reconsider their words and actively work towards creating a culture of support and understanding for all individuals.
Overall, "Girls that Never Die" is a thought-provoking collection that offers a fresh perspective on feminism and womanhood. While it may stumble at times, its powerful themes and evocative imagery make it a worthwhile addition to any poetry lover's bookshelf.
One of the standout poems in the collection is "Tony Soprano's Tender Machismo," which confronts the toxic masculinity embedded in our culture. Elhillo masterfully blurs the lines between fictional characters like Tony Soprano and real-life male relatives, highlighting the pervasive nature of harmful attitudes towards women. The poem forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths about the ways in which women are often dismissed, victim-blamed, and silenced.
However, while the collection boasts thought-provoking themes and powerful imagery, there are moments where clarity is sacrificed for ambiguity. In the seventh stanza of "Tony Soprano's Tender Machismo," the reference to "they" is somewhat unclear, leaving readers unsure of the intended subject. While this ambiguity may be intentional, it detracts from the overall impact of the poem and muddles its message.
Despite this weakness, "Girls that Never Die" remains a compelling read that sparks important conversations about feminism, representation, and the lived experiences of women. Elhillo's voice is bold and unapologetic, challenging readers to reexamine their own perspectives and confront the realities of misogyny in today's society.
In "Tony Soprano's Tender Machismo," Elhillo's speaker is confronted with derogatory and dismissive language about women from relatives. If given the chance to respond, I would firmly challenge these harmful attitudes, emphasizing the importance of empathy, respect, and accountability in our interactions with others. I would highlight the prevalence of victim-blaming and the damaging impact it has on survivors, urging my relatives to reconsider their words and actively work towards creating a culture of support and understanding for all individuals.
Overall, "Girls that Never Die" is a thought-provoking collection that offers a fresh perspective on feminism and womanhood. While it may stumble at times, its powerful themes and evocative imagery make it a worthwhile addition to any poetry lover's bookshelf.
jess_mango's review against another edition
4.0
Another read for National Poetry Month AND for Arab American Heritage Month!!
allmight's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
5.0
a stunning collection of poetry about brown Muslim girlhood, violence against women, the silent hurts women carry, and the expectations that fundamentalist religions place on women. very raw prose that will make your soul ache
megnut's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny
Moderate: Sexual assault
bessadams's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
3.75