Write In Power: An Anthology of the Personal and the Political

by Vijayalakshmi Harish (Editor), Anushree K S (Editor), Rohini Malur (Editor)

In this compelling anthology of fictional and non-fictional prose, poems, and art, we present the writings of twenty-four writers and artists from an inclusive spectrum of human experience. These perspectives speak to the intersections of the personal and the political creating a space for discussion and change. We find our power in our traditions, or by breaking those traditions. We look outwards for love and acceptance, or to our own selves because we are all we have. Our stories - rebellious, accommodating, loving, suffering, defeated and in victory - declare our essential power.

All proceeds from the sales of Write in Power will go directly to the Haadibadi Community library.

The book is available for purchase via Pothi . com

166 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2021

Reviews

[Donna Tijo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this collection-a mix of poetry, prose and art. The poems are honest and the art is heartfelt.

[Shalini Mullick · Rating 5 out of 5]

An anthology of the Personal and the Political
This book is not just an anthology of the personal and the political, as the title says. It is the synthesis of thoughts and creativity dedicated to those who struggle to find their voice. It is the coming together of 36 voices and the work of an extremely diverse set of authors, poets, and artists. A collection of poetry, essays, fiction, and art might seem to be eclectic, but with a unifying theme of the intersections of the personal and the political it fits just right. The thrust for inclusivity begins with the list of contributors, many of whom have had to deal with the limitations that strict hierarchies and binary systems have dealt them. It is not a surprise that they have detailed their own experiences. Other contributors have used vivid and bold artwork, subtle and poignant poetry, or harnessed the power of fictional storytelling.
The contributors bring forth their individual, and collective, personal experiences. But, can the personal ever be distinct from what is around us? Be independent of the social, the political, the society that we live in? In today’s times, it is increasingly important to understand these intersections, and where we stand in the face of them. It is this introspection that is the basis of a truly inclusive world. And this is the introspection that this anthology asks from the reader.
The proceeds from the sales will go directly to the Haadibaadi Community library. The Haadibaadi, as I learned from a wonderfully written introduction, is a movement committed to social and economic justice.
The book is not a light read, but the intersection of the political and the personal is not one that can be. The book, however, is a very important, and compelling read.

[Piyusha Vir · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most heartfelt, honest, impactful books I've read this year.

Some of the accounts brought tears to my eyes. In others, I found my experiences described in ways better than I could have articulated.
Each and every piece is outstanding but as is the case with most anthologies, you can't help but find a few favourites because of various reasons.
For me, The Womxn in the Mirror by Paree and My Body, Their Rules by Sanchari Bhattacharya were just two of the many pieces of writings that left me moved.
I was taken aback by how much someone could get inside my head and express exactly what I have felt but had been unable to articulate as well.

Everyone, If you haven't picked up this book already, please do it now.