The poetry in this collection delves into the profound impacts of civil wars, western intervention, and imperialism on civilians. It highlights the harrowing journeys of those who risk everything to reach safety in Europe, only to face new conflicts upon arrival. Through evocative language, the work captures the resilience and struggles of individuals caught in the cycle of violence and displacement.
From the Arab Spring and the UK riots of 2011 to civil wars in Syria, Iraq, South Sudan, Libya, and the Ukraine, our rulers pick and choose their favorites, color-coding the good revolutions and demonizing those they cannot control as `terrorists'. Clare Saponia rigorously explores these confused and violent struggles, as if dissecting a blood orange - skin, pith, flesh, pips, and juice - from cause to consequence, aspiration to betrayal, and defeat to renewed hopes for social justice. Here is a book about democracy and power, despotism and resistance, imperialism and revolution.