The Hajar Book of Rage, ed. Farhaana Arefin
The first in Hajar Press' new elements anthology series, this book takes as its subject the power and politics of fiery rage
The Hajar Book of Rage is the first in the elements anthology series, with fire as this book's element. Farhaana Arefin’s Editor’s Note sets the agenda for what is to follow, explaining with insight and righteous indignation the reasons for this collection. Much more than a simple introduction, it’s one of the best pieces of writing included. There is style and substance in Rasheed Rollins’ opening poem Untitled, a literary primal scream, which is followed by Aria Danaparamita’s Two Stones, which makes the connection between fire and rage beautifully. The first piece of prose is Yasmin Alrabiei’s The Preliminary Flame Before A Kiss, looking at famous kisses – artful, political, and cultural – which shook the world, while Laetitia Keok’s An Exercise in Neutrality asks readers to take their own exam paper, forcing them to become part of the story. This is not passive reading.
Rage is often a result of perceived impotence to be able to affect change, but this book offers purpose and focus: a call to arms. There are stories told which will rightly enrage (Mymona Bibi’s Application For Social Housing In Tower Hamlets and Mandy Shunnarah’s The Damage Has Been Done are particularly powerful), often depicting acts of violence and violation. This is a place where historical injustice and present-day horrors sit side by side, and where the personal meets the universal. With other elements to follow, The Hajar Book of Rage sets the bar high.
