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Scattered Vertebrae
Is love born from duty, misplaced ideas of nobility or the thirst for dependence? Jerrold Yam's second poetry collection confronts the very act of creation, wrestling it from family, religion and sexuality—a triptych of forces that bears as much a promise for redemption as a capacity for cruelty and hurt.
"The recurring motif then, in this collection, is the dichotomy between wholeness and brokenness, and that of creation and destruction, which the title – Scattered Vertebrae – bears out beautifully. … This second collection of his seems to be a deeply personal project that sears with its brutal honesty."
- The Straits Times
" 'I don’t pretend to know why we are here' is the first line of Jerrold Yam’s second collection, written in the comet tail of his first. Do not expect any answers; between adolescent uncertainty and the fine edge of adulthood, Yam asks the questions we can hardly ask, relates the experiences we would rather ignore and articulates the impressions we never clarify. Do we love our families as much as we say? Why should we feel happy at a wedding? What did those boyish games of childhood really mean? And why should we be ashamed of lust? There is a narrative young people are supposed to accept about growing up, but it involves shutting your eyes to contradictions and the contrary experiences of people around you; Yam’s are fully open, and his gaze is sympathetic. He is young, prolific and smart enough to see that however deeply felt, however lyrical and sad, our own experiences are not – and can never be – the only truth."
- Jay Bernard
"The recurring motif then, in this collection, is the dichotomy between wholeness and brokenness, and that of creation and destruction, which the title – Scattered Vertebrae – bears out beautifully. … This second collection of his seems to be a deeply personal project that sears with its brutal honesty."
- The Straits Times
" 'I don’t pretend to know why we are here' is the first line of Jerrold Yam’s second collection, written in the comet tail of his first. Do not expect any answers; between adolescent uncertainty and the fine edge of adulthood, Yam asks the questions we can hardly ask, relates the experiences we would rather ignore and articulates the impressions we never clarify. Do we love our families as much as we say? Why should we feel happy at a wedding? What did those boyish games of childhood really mean? And why should we be ashamed of lust? There is a narrative young people are supposed to accept about growing up, but it involves shutting your eyes to contradictions and the contrary experiences of people around you; Yam’s are fully open, and his gaze is sympathetic. He is young, prolific and smart enough to see that however deeply felt, however lyrical and sad, our own experiences are not – and can never be – the only truth."
- Jay Bernard
109 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2013
23 people want to read
About the author
Jerrold Yam
19 books7 followersJerrold Yam is the author of three poetry collections: Intruder (Ethos Books, 2014), Scattered Vertebrae (Math Paper Press, 2013) and Chasing Curtained Suns (Math Paper Press, 2012).
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 23, 2024
borrowed from library at friend's recommendation (she's part of a book club). one of the best singlit titles I've read. also the cover is giving thooo
March 1, 2024
Jerrold Yam's "Scattered Vertebrae" is a compelling collection of poems that beckons readers into the intricate realms of identity, love, and the human experience, particularly through the lens of a queer individual navigating the complex sociocultural landscape of Singapore.
Yam's poetic craftsmanship is commendable, as he weaves a tapestry of emotions through carefully chosen words and evocative imagery. The collection delves into the multifaceted aspects of queerness, offering readers a glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of individuals grappling with their identities. The poems resonate with a timeless quality, transcending generational gaps and speaking to the universal human quest for authenticity.
What struck me most about "Scattered Vertebrae" is its ability to blend personal narratives with broader sociocultural commentary. Yam skillfully explores the intricacies of the queer experience in Singapore, shedding light on the evolving attitudes towards sexuality. The poems serve as both a reflection and a catalyst for conversations surrounding societal norms and individual authenticity.
Yam's poetic craftsmanship is commendable, as he weaves a tapestry of emotions through carefully chosen words and evocative imagery. The collection delves into the multifaceted aspects of queerness, offering readers a glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of individuals grappling with their identities. The poems resonate with a timeless quality, transcending generational gaps and speaking to the universal human quest for authenticity.
What struck me most about "Scattered Vertebrae" is its ability to blend personal narratives with broader sociocultural commentary. Yam skillfully explores the intricacies of the queer experience in Singapore, shedding light on the evolving attitudes towards sexuality. The poems serve as both a reflection and a catalyst for conversations surrounding societal norms and individual authenticity.
August 30, 2023
This one is my favourite of Yam's collections but it is very intense and honest. Probably not everyone's cup of tea!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews