Resistance: Righteous Rage in the Age of #MeToo

by Sue Goyette (Editor), Halli Lilburn (contributor)

Writers across the globe speak out against sexual assault and abuse in this powerful new poetry anthology, edited by Sue Goyette



These collected poems from writers across the globe declare one common theme: resistance. By exploring sexual assault and violence in their work, each writer resists the patriarchal systems of power that continue to support a misogynist justice system that supports abusers. In doing so, they reclaim their power and their voice.

Created as a response to the Jian Ghomeshi case, writers including Joan Crate, Ashley-Elizabeth Best, and Beth Goobie are, as editor Sue Goyette explains, a "multitude, resisting." The collection could not be more timely. The work adds a new layer to the ever-growing #MeToo movement.

Resistance underscores the validity of all women's experiences, and the importance of dignifying such experiences in voice, however that may sound. Because once survivors speak out and disrupt their pain, there is no telling what else they can do.

176 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2021

About the author

Sue Goyette is a Canadian poet and novelist. Born in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Goyette grew up in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, on Montreal's south shore.

Her first poetry book The True Names of Birds (1998) was nominated for the 1999 Governor General's Award, the Pat Lowther Award and the Gerald Lampert Award. Goyette's first novel, Lures: A Novel (2002), was nominated for the 2003 Thomas Head Raddall Award. She has also written another poetry collection, Undone (2004), and won the 2008 CBC Literary Award in poetry for the poem "Outskirts". The poetry collection of the same name, Outskirts won the Atlantic Poetry Prize in 2012. Goyette's fourth poetry collection, Ocean, was published in 2013 by Gaspereau Press.

Goyette has been a member of the faculty of The Maritime Writers' Workshop, The Banff Wired Studio, and The Sage Hill Writing Experience.

She presently lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and teaches at Dalhousie University.

Reviews

[Vanessa Funk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took my time reading this powerful collection of poems - I frequently say I enjoyed a book when I give it 5 stars but I don't know that "enjoy" is the right word to use in sharing my feelings on this book because it was so heartbreaking and challenging and I often had to take a break. Yet it was also unflinchingly honest, striking and empowering and I have so much admiration for these poets who put their trauma and emotions out into the world. Truthfully, poetry is not what I am drawn to but I think this collection made me realize how poetry is able to convey stories and emotions as a form of art that is so different from other forms of writing.
As a Canadian who has read more about sexual assault from the US, it was also really great to read Canadian authors and to see the resources for the survivors of sexual assault at the end of the book organized by each province. The introduction was also extremely well written and highlighted why it is so essential to hear these voices. The organization of the poems worked well and I loved the artwork at the beginning of each section. The last poem (Unite by Kim Payne) felt like the perfect ending to the collection with her final words:
"I will demand respect
My sisters will demand respect
Our voices will echo
And we will be heard."
There were a few lines from other poems that I've written down for myself to remember and debated sharing but decided to leave that for others to read themselves - I am so thankful I had the opportunity to read this book and would highly recommend it.
I received a free digital copy of this book from ZG stories in exchange for an honest review.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a powerful collection of challenging poetry. Challenging because you don’t want to hear what it has to say - but you must. Challenging because, once heard, it calls us to do something, to be better. I’m not a poetry connoisseur but this felt like really good poetry to me. Words painting pictures but more importantly feelings, as if you’re really there. Rhythmic and musical and important. I also appreciated the Canadian perspective on #MeToo. I read a lot about sexual assault on US college campuses and in our culture here but there was definitely a different vibe from our neighbors to the north that I value. I’m really glad I read this book and hope others will too.

[Reilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Resistance
Righteous rage in the age of #metoo
Edited by Sue Goyette.

Wow. This is a collection of poetry with the theme of resistance. Writers around the world speak out about sexual violence and abuse. This is powerful, so many survivor voices coming together to share their experiences and it is beautifully edited by Sue Goyette. The collection was created as a response to the Jian Ghomeshi case.

There are definitely **trigger warnings** so read it carefully and take care of yourself.

Thank you @zgstories and @uofr_press for this #gifted collection of poetry.

[Danielle Wong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a book to be read slowly to come to grips with what many people have experienced.