Who owns the definition of evil?
Abridged Opinion:
With its poetic lens towards the concept of the monster, the anthology, Under the Belly of the Beast, plays with both standard literary tropes literary form. As with any anthology some pieces hit me harder than others, but overall it is worth a read if you’re looking for an interesting take on poetry and pros and/or if you ever find your identity written as the antagonist.
Book Thoughts:
Under the Belly of the Beast is the brainchild of the Afterschool, a literary community started by Ryka Aoki and based in L.A. To make an illusion, think of the After school as that circle story that everyone contributes to -- each person throwing in whatever flavor of life their into at the moment.
This first project is hemmed by Cori Bartly-Rudd with contributions from a plethora of writers, who put pen to paper to deconstruct the concept of The Beast. “Who owns the definition of evil?”, Cori writes in her piece -- and it is a question that resonates throughout the anthology. With each writer giving their own take on their experience with the word, and the implications of its internalization.
For my part I liked the anthology. I admit I have a partiality for people fudging with form, and this work definitely plays with and invents syntax. I like the intentional evolution of the medium which we write in, it breathes something into the words, creates space for thoughts, stories or people who feel constrained by the lexicon that currently rules the day.
I also think these works write feelings -- that is to say---the purpose of each work is the emotion, which isn’t always, nor does it have to be, the case with literary works. Sometimes the emotions are a tool to drive the plot, or the philosophy, or the message, it depends on the author's intent.
Here, however, the emotion is the message. When you get to the end of a piece that resonates you think, yeah I’ve felt that, I get that -- or --oh-- I think I can feel what they’re saying. Now writing feelings is high risk but then again so is playing with syntax. When you get it, you really get it -- you might not even be able to pinpoint why you get it, but who cares. On the other hand, if it misses you can’t really put your finger on why either. But hey, that's true of all writing, maybe all communication in general, and here there is definitely payoff. So when February 22nd hits consider checking out Under the Belly of the Beast.
Recommend Story Reads
Geranium
Trans Diplych
Notes on Taxonomy
Mutt
To learn more about my and Marci’s thoughts on Under the Belly of the Beast feel free to check out our episode going into further detail here!