aNother nemesis by Ai Jiang, Angela Yuriko Smith, Eugen Bacon and Maxwell I. Gold

Poetry often challenges readers to see the world through new lenses, but it can also feel distant or inaccessible to those who don’t usually engage with it. I have rarely reviewed poetry books on this blog because poetry has never quite captured my attention the way it does for some readers. When the publisher sent me anOther Nemesis by Ai Jiang, Angela Yuriko Smith, Eugen Bacon, and Maxwell Gold, I decided to give it a try. This collection of speculative poems explores complex themes around control, identity, and resistance, making it a unique entry in the poetry world.

The poems in anOther Nemesis focus on how cultures, language, and information—or the absence of it—serve as tools for control. They also show how voices rise up against systems that rewrite identity, suppress truth, and silence dissent. The book is divided into four thematic sections: The Colonizers, Primal Sources, Nameless Others, and Crooked Ontologies. Each section unpacks different layers of power and resistance through vivid, sometimes unsettling, speculative poetry.

The Role of Control in Language and Culture

anOther Nemesis highlights how language and culture can be manipulated to control populations. The poems reveal how colonial powers have historically used language as a weapon to erase or rewrite identities. This theme is especially strong in the section titled The Colonizers, where the poets examine the legacy of colonialism and its ongoing impact.

For example, one poem describes language as a "prison of words," where the colonized are trapped by imposed narratives. This metaphor captures how language can limit self-expression and enforce conformity. The poets do not just recount history; they interrogate how these systems persist today in subtler forms, such as misinformation and cultural erasure.

The poems in this section use sharp, evocative imagery to make readers feel the weight of control. The language is often fragmented or layered, reflecting the fractured identities that result from cultural suppression. This approach challenges readers to think critically about how language shapes reality and who gets to define truth.

Voices Rising Against Systems of Suppression

Resistance is a central theme throughout anOther Nemesis. The poets emphasize that despite efforts to silence dissent, voices will always find ways to rise. The section Nameless Others focuses on those marginalized or erased by dominant systems. These poems give voice to the silenced, reclaiming identity and truth.

One striking poem imagines a future where suppressed voices become a collective force, breaking through walls of silence. The imagery is powerful and hopeful, suggesting that resistance is not only possible but inevitable. This section balances the darker themes of control with a sense of resilience and empowerment.

The poets use speculative elements to explore how resistance might evolve. For example, some poems envision new forms of communication beyond language, hinting at future possibilities for reclaiming identity and truth. This blend of realism and speculation invites readers to imagine alternatives to current systems of oppression.

Exploring Identity Through Speculative Themes

The section Primal Sources delves into identity from a more elemental perspective. These poems explore origins, nature, and the primal forces that shape who we are. The speculative nature of the poems allows the authors to experiment with identity beyond human norms, incorporating elements of mythology, science fiction, and fantasy.

This approach broadens the conversation about identity, showing it as fluid and multifaceted rather than fixed. The poems challenge readers to reconsider what defines identity and how it can be reshaped or reclaimed. The use of speculative themes adds depth and complexity, making the poems both imaginative and thought-provoking.

Crooked Ontologies and the Nature of Reality

The final section, Crooked Ontologies, tackles the nature of reality itself. These poems question the frameworks through which we understand existence, truth, and knowledge. The poets suggest that dominant systems often present a distorted or "crooked" view of reality to maintain control.

Through speculative poetry, the authors explore alternative ontologies—ways of knowing and being that resist dominant narratives. This section is intellectually challenging but rewarding, encouraging readers to question their assumptions and consider new perspectives.

The poems use abstract language and imagery to unsettle readers, pushing them to think beyond conventional ideas. This section ties together the book’s themes by showing how control extends not only to identity and culture but also to the very foundations of reality.

Why This Book Matters

While anOther Nemesis did not fully capture my personal taste in poetry, I recognize its value for readers interested in speculative poetry and critical explorations of power and identity. The book offers a unique blend of poetic craft and political engagement, making it a meaningful read for those who appreciate poetry that challenges and provokes.

I rated the book 3.5 out of 5, rounding up to 4, reflecting its strengths in theme and innovation despite my own reservations about poetry as a form. If you or someone you know enjoys speculative poetry that interrogates culture, language, and control, this book is worth exploring.

The collection’s focus on resistance and reclaiming identity resonates strongly in today’s world, where misinformation and cultural erasure remain pressing issues. anOther Nemesis invites readers to reflect on these challenges through a poetic lens, offering both critique and hope.

Speculative poetry can open doors to new ways of thinking about familiar problems. anOther Nemesis uses this power to explore how control operates and how voices rise against it. Whether you are a poetry enthusiast or new to the genre, this book provides a thoughtful, challenging experience that encourages deeper reflection on identity and truth.

If you decide to read anOther Nemesis, consider how the poems speak to current social and cultural issues. Share your thoughts with others who appreciate poetry that pushes boundaries and explores complex themes. This book is a reminder that poetry can be a tool for resistance and transformation, even when it feels difficult to engage with at first.

4 Stars