Aiden Shaw's Penis & Other Stories of Censorship from Around the World

by Harriet Birkinshaw (Editor), Karolis Strautniekas (Illustrations)

What does it mean to be silenced, to be censored? Or perhaps, more importantly, what does it mean to break free?

This beautifully illustrated anthology celebrates high quality fiction and non-fiction short story writing from authors all over the world. Bringing together 12 exciting and emerging international voices, this collection explores the censoring of the past, present, future, the self, the state, and the effects of censorship on everyday life. As a provocation, this book will provide readers with a diverse, relatable and surprising look at censorship and what it means to be silenced - or, perhaps more importantly, what it means to break free.

Genres: Short Stories

192 pages, Hardcover

Published October 26, 2021

Reviews

[Nets]

'Aiden Shaw's Penis' is something I wasn't prepared for. It changed my perspective on so many things. As I read these various stories, I realised that my idea of censorship was quite blinkered before. My view has been expanded from things in the public domain being censored and being almost forced on us to now realising personal and internal censorship. The third authors contribution was where I stopped and thought... "Wow!" I found it incredibly relatable and brought it to my attention that I, as we all do, censor myself and my thoughts every day without thinking. That made me question a lot of things about why we do it and whether we should.

This book gave me the opportunity to look at myself, my surroundings and the things that are publicly seen and make some different choices day to day.

Really enjoyed it and very thankful for being able to read this.

Many thanks to @randomthingstours, @annecater14 and @imprint27 for the copy of this in return for a review

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded to 4 I think I’m not smart enough for a lot of these stories but Reflections and Three Acts From a Woman’s Life were my fav stories

[Ilana · Rating 4 out of 5]

The worst thing it can happen to a writer or a journalist writing in a world regulated by censorship is to interiorize the pace and rules of the forbidden words. Self-censorship is the final stage of a social illness induced with the fist of political randomness. Actually, it´s impossible to predict which topics may be more dangerous than the others, as the list of potential risks is permanently expanding. The criteria are mostly random, as influenced by the personality and fears of the censor as well. In some dystopic context, even a childish line about blue flowers in the park can be considered subversive because, who knows, the author wanted to send a secret message calling for a protest in the park.

I´ve read those stories of writers facing different kinds of censorship from all over the world with a wide curiosity. The styles are different and so are the topics and personal experiences. Writers from London, Capetown, Manchester, US, Chile, Iran, Zambia and Nigeria are offering first hand literary stories about the pervasiveness and complexity of censorship. Controlling the body or the mind or both is the final aim of the censorship and the mortal danger for the workers with words.

With a foreword by Guardian journalist Coco Khan (The Good Immigrant, It´s not about the Burqa) and illustrations by Daniel Clarke, Aiden Shaw´s Penis & Other Stories of Censorship from Around the World is a wide opening testimony that should definitely continue. Only the power of stories about censorship, revealing how naked the king is in fact, can break the long lists of forbidden words of censorships. Thus, the writers and journalists writing under pressure will know that there is in fact an end and their words are powerful enough to break the walls. One story at a time.

Disclaimer: Book offered part of a blog tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

[Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

This anthology is a mix of fiction and non-fiction stories from 12 exciting and emerging international voices exploring censorship in everyday life. The various perspectives, writing styles and subject matter makes this an interesting read.

For me, some stories were stronger than others. I particularly enjoyed Aiden Shaw’s Penis by Ali Said and The Song Bird by Nathan Alling Long.

Said autobiographical piece looks at ‘The Censors’ in everyday life of the UAE whereby all incoming media and entertainment is edited to remove any potentially explicit information. Said also reflects on his own sexuality and how the advent of the internet changed the UAE.

Long’s beautiful story reveals the relationship between a women and her song bird, and the depths one goes to to keep the bird. This was a powerful piece and I was moved by Long’s writing. Definitely a writer I want to revisit in the future.

Overall I enjoyed the collection though it difficult to rate as each story has its merits. I would recommend to anyone wanting to explore new voices and styles of writer.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection contains 12 short stories, both fiction and non-fiction, from around the world, that delve into different perceptions of the term 'the censor'.

The stories cover a wonderful mix of genres, writing styles, and subject matter, which makes them completely fascinating, and I cannot remember reading a book that challenges my idea of what censorship means as much as this one has.

The myriad shades of meaning are so thought provoking - the controlling face of censorship of the oppressed; the way we censor ourselves in relationships and to the world outside; the value of small acts of rebellion; even the times when censorship might be considered a positive thing - it's all here to explore in these 12 stories. They are superb!

[Caroline Venables · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant anthology of stories, that explore censorship. This book is so beautiful not only in illustration but in the stories told within. I would recommend everyone should give it a read, I know it made me think about all the things I take for granted.

There are twelve stories here to read and reread, which I have done. The stories will stay with you for a long time and make will make you reflect on how other people live.

It was great to discover new authors and l look forward to reading more by them.

[Gemma Lodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this collection and whizzed through it. An expansive dive into the topic of 'The Censor', it was great to see perspectives from so many different cultures and experiences. The stories highlight the importance and necessity of resistance in the face of censorship, for the sake of survival, freedom or just sheer joy. The book as an object is also very beautiful. Would definitely recommend.

[Liv · Rating 2 out of 5]

Liked some stories some were a bit meh sometime censor metaphor was not clear. Would have liked them to be a bit more stylistic. Also non-fiction parts deffo could have been stronger. Still and enjoyable read quick and accessible. Great to pick up and pop down. (Unfortunately when I popped down I was struggling to pick up 😕)

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title made me lol. The essays made me play with all the emotions. I'm grateful I had the opportunity to read this ARC. <3

[Isaac · Rating 2 out of 5]

a very quick read. most of these were not very good, and a few were just bad. however, there were 3 stories that i liked, so now i have some new authors to look up.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was incredibly excited and am very grateful to receive a copy of this absolutely stunning collection of stories and writings about Censorship from @randomthingstours and @imprint_27

I devoured these stories and actually read a lot of them twice - they absolutely enchanted me. There are allegories, criticisms and historical reflections among other writings in this collection and they all explore Censorship in ways that I didn't even consider prior to reading.

I have been introduced to a number of writers and perspectives and I cannot think of a better endorsement for this collection than to give you some of my favourite quotes from the book itself.

Each is from a different story within the collection.

Finally, it would be remiss of me not to mention just how beautiful this book is. Each story has an illustration, titles embossed in pink and pink pages separating the stories. It is stunning.

I recommend everyone picks this up - it will make you reflect on your privilege, the value of words and the nature of media worldwide.