In Birthright, George Abraham reflects on his life in Palestine, focusing on political and cultural issues and the struggles of its people, while conveying his pride in being Palestinian.

Abraham's use of form is intriguing and entertaining, but when the form hardens into blocks, the emotions stop coming slanted and gasping, and instead land hard, like running into that wall of text, heart first. When there’s space to breathe, to look around in wonder at experience-now blended into experience-then, and to feel pulled in rather than shut out, the poems speak loudest to me. This all fits well with the themes of disjointed family, shifting memory, and an entire place and culture being walled off into silence. A paradox of form, that the white spaces have a necessary sound. This collection felt like sitting down to listen to a friend late at night, requiring a centered place inside to listen and time to let them say all that needs said.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Button Poetry and NetGalley for this Advanced Reader's Copy!

Available April 7th!

In "Birthright", Palestinian American poet George Abraham cultivates a sense of mania. He speaks eloquently about loss, hope and ultimately captures a truth about living. Living in a country that renders you invisible, living in a state that renders you an enemy, living in a culture that considers your mental health and sexual orientation a blasphemy. Each poem is saturated with energy and love, a deep respect for his Palestinian heritage and a strong appreciation for American spirit. A great collection from a rising poet!

Disclaimer - I was sent a free digital copy of this book by NetGalley in return for an honest review.

As an avid reader of poetry and prose, my initial thoughts on the book were that it takes a lot of concentration and thought to decipher some of the prose. However, as you delve deeper, it is a thoroughly enjoyable read. Paying homage to those that have suffered and are suffering in Palestine is something I believe everybody needs to lend their time to. On top of covering the struggles of past and modern day Palestine, the other manages to beautifully and heartbreakingly capture many of today’s mental health struggles, as well as struggles within western society’s. I would completely recommend this book to anybody and everybody.

This collection is so personal, I was embarrassed of reading it at times. The author's feelings are all over the page and it's impossible not to sympathise. There's a lot of different themes from politics and identity to sexuality and mental health. Not only are the poems real, they are very well written. Definitely keeping an eye open for Abraham's next work.

At times this collection of poems are particularly hard to read given the content. The verse is personal, filled with emotion. It makes you realise how hard it must be to live in a land where you have no say in your affairs.

The poetry collection has three sections. The first section talks about the author's origin, place and his people; gay people and the issues related; his heritage and home.
The second section talks about the birthright and political issues. The third section talks about adaptation being faced everything about being someone who's come out of the closet and being survived in a place of political unrest. This collection is rather too heavy, deep and personal. I loved the random short stories in between more. The writing is incredible, strong and left an impact.
I totally appreciate the way the lines are written. This collection is going to stay.

Thank you #NetGalley for the book #Birthright

This book of poetry had some very interesting styles to it. I liked how it wasn't all one format as it kept me flipping the pages wondering what was next. And while some sections could be a little confusing to figure out how to read, I did enjoy it overall.

the first time i used the word depression
with my parents, they said but you're so happy
here - couldn't marvel the sight
of their radiant house in flames : i fear
of horizon free of crimson , i wanted
to say, my mind is a country
who sets itself ablaze.

I don't know where to start. First of all, I do think that Abraham has a distinctive point of view and writing style. I love his choice of words; each page lingers. I also love how the book tackles issues regarding mental health, gender identity, forced displacement and longing for home. Although there are a lot of themes packed into one, they coexist harmoniously. I think this is also the first book that I have ever read by a Palestinian author. In Birthright, the author mourns for his fallen state.

On the other hand, I am not fond of the format. It will take some time to get used to.
Be warned, this is a <i>heavy</i> read. Might be too political for my liking.
Overall, a refreshing read from a talented writer. Kudos to Abraham!

Thank you to Netgalley for the Arc in exchange for an honest review.