Review of Rage, Resistance and Redemption

[Rashad Deniro Price]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Rage, Resistance and Redemption" by Simone Millwood.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Rage, Resistance & Redemption: Will to Live is a collection of poems written by Simone Millwood. The poems are a raw expression of such subjects as the collective pains of a black community stemming from a systemic subjugation, the will to be free, and the beauty of a black identity. Written with carefully chosen words and garnished with relevant poetic devices, the poems make readers feel what the concerned population of people felt and still feel, even as it initiates a discussion on true freedom, restitution, and proper healing.

Simone is deeply involved in this writing, coming from a population of people directly affected by the issues covered in this book. I appreciate her bravery and her narrative and descriptive skills. Her word choices breathe breaths of trauma, systemic conditioning, bottled rage, defiance, self-expression, and struggles for total freedom. The poems impacted me in a great way. I will be commenting on some of them in the following paragraphs.

Little White Lie explores the harsh realities the black community faced under the Jim Crow law. The poem narrates the fate of a fourteen-year-old black boy. The narrative of his persecution is heartbreaking. Yet, that was a true account of what a group of people went through at a point in history. Racism was at its peak. The intensity was so worrisome that the author describes it as being hotter than the chili. The fate of a black person is concluded with little or no consideration. A black life could be cut down for a mere accusation. It was an era that exposed some of the worst sides of the human person, when the sparkling color of the eyes was in stark contrast to the dark schemes of the mind.

Perspective gives a vivid depiction of systemic deception, conditioning, and targeted killings. The hypocrisy in paper freedom and opportunities is laid bare. The demeaning reality of being expected to settle for less and to pretend all is well when it's not is also exposed. If I Did To You What You Did To Me exposes the utter disregard for a people's heritage, dignity, and social structuring.

On a lighter note, the poem The Sacred Black Divinity appreciates the Black beauty and heritage, including its divinity, strength, innovation, humility, creativity, patience, and unbreakable spirit. The Truth explores the wonders of the human formation in a mother's womb, the memories of childbirth and nursing, and the generational imprint this new life bears. The poems Manhood and Womanhood provided incredible counsel and awareness to the male and female genders.

This was an impactful read and should appeal to lovers of poetry or literature exploring social and existential themes and to those interested in Black history. The book was thoroughly proofread. I have no complaint to report about this book. Rage, Resistance & Redemption: Will to Live earns 5 out of 5 stars for its in-depth exploration of the concerned themes and the positive changes it seeks to initiate.

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Rage, Resistance and Redemption
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[Blueberry Dragon]

A well-edited poem of books presenting historical pains from a black perspective should make for a soulful read. Thank you for the recommendation, @Rashad Deniro Price.

[Cynthia Pence]

Rage, Resistance & Redemption: Will to Live by Simone Millwood sounds like a powerful and evocative collection of poetry that delves deeply into the lived experiences and historical struggles of the Black community. The themes of systemic oppression, identity, and the quest for freedom are not only relevant but resonate strongly in today’s social climate, making this book a vital contribution to contemporary literature.

[Nneka Bridget]

Your review of Rage, Resistance & Redemption: Will to Live brings Simone Millwood’s work to life. The depth of emotion and cultural significance in her poetry resonates strongly through your reflections, especially regarding pieces like Little White Lie and Perspective. It’s clear that Millwood’s words are both a celebration of Black identity and a powerful critique of systemic oppression, which is compelling and necessary. The balance of painful histories with affirming themes like The Sacred Black Divinity adds to its impact. Your thoughtful insights make this sound like an essential read for those seeking a meaningful exploration of Black heritage and resilience. Thank you for sharing this!

[Williams Jaden]

Rage, Resistance & Redemption: Will to Live by Simone Millwood is a poignant poetry collection exploring the pain, resilience, and beauty of the black community. Through raw language, Millwood tackles themes of oppression, freedom, and healing, sparking discussions on identity and justice.