Suheir Hammad

Hammad's work is clearly meant to be heard more than to be read, but nevertheless, the power of her poems is undeniable. Though some pass by quietly, others demand to be read again immediately, and then can't be forgotten. The strongest ones, which won't let go of a reader for even a breath, are those which speak of survival and of terror, and of the experience of being suppressed or serving as a witness to horrors such as war and 9-11. Whether speaking as a woman, a survivor, or simply a human, though, Hammad's work hums with power, and the collection as a whole is one which is well worth exploring, remembering, and sharing.

Absolutely recommended.… (mehr)