This book is not just an anthology of the personal and the political, as the title says. It is the synthesis of thoughts and creativity dedicated to those who struggle to find their voice. It is the coming together of 36 voices and the work of an extremely diverse set of authors, poets, and artists. A collection of poetry, essays, fiction, and art might seem to be eclectic, but with a unifying theme of the intersections of the personal and the political it fits just right. The thrust for inclusivity begins with the list of contributors, many of whom have had to deal with the limitations that strict hierarchies and binary systems have dealt them. It is not a surprise that they have detailed their own experiences. Other contributors have used vivid and bold artwork, subtle and poignant poetry, or harnessed the power of fictional storytelling.

The contributors bring forth their individual, and collective, personal experiences. But, can the personal ever be distinct from what is around us? Be independent of the social, the political, the society that we live in? In today’s times, it is increasingly important to understand these intersections, and where we stand in the face of them. It is this introspection that is the basis of a truly inclusive world. And this is the introspection that this anthology asks from the reader.

 

 

The proceeds from the sales will go directly to the Haadibaadi Community library. The Haadibaadi, as I learned from a wonderfully written introduction, is a movement committed to social and economic justice.

 

 

The book is not a light read, but the intersection of the political and the personal is not one that can be. The book, however, is a very important, and compelling read.