4 out of 4 stars
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The VD Anthology: Volume 2 by Various is a collection of poetry, short stories and extracts exploring a wide range of themes, emotions and experiences. The works within this book are collated from a group of writers, Club Verbal Discharge, that meet in London to share their pieces. These writers have continued to produce provocative and enigmatic work throughout the rollercoaster year that was 2020. Inspired by the pandemic, Brexit and political uncertainty, these writers have created relatable, thoughtful and cathartic literary work that provokes thought and admiration.
This anthology evokes a vast range of emotions from the escapist comedic stories to the painful reality of many in the extract from ‘Big Cats of Cactus Creek’ by Cheryl Baden-Powell to exceptionally crafted satire. The reader can go on a different emotional journey with each of the extracts, which leave an irrevocable impression.
One of the most enjoyable and profound parts of this anthology is how every extract and story is relatable. If not directly relatable, then indirectly through the emotions portrayed by the author. Although each piece is personal, the feelings and experiences felt by the author, literary subject and reader are universal. I especially liked the visual inclusions of Sophia Rainbow Haddad in ‘North East to North Africa’. My favourite piece is the short story 'A Herman Melville Cinderella' by Alexandra Liedinger. This story details the search for a woman, desired by the Prince, that is the cause of chaos, greed and bloodshed. This beautifully illustrative prose drew me in, and although it is only a few pages long, I felt as though I had entered another reality.
There was nothing that I specifically did not like about this anthology. My only criticism is that, perhaps, some of the extracts were difficult to truly appreciate, as you cannot read the entire work. I would have also liked the anthology to be a bit longer - so that I could read more from this talented group of writers.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars, as it is a thoroughly enjoyable and thought-provoking collection of works. I did not notice any errors or spelling-mistakes in the anthology, and each author has written clear intricate pieces. Therefore, I believe it has been professionally edited. I would recommend this book for anyone interested in short, relatable stories and poems or a little bit of escapism from these unprecedented times. However, the reader should be aware that there is a reference to sexual assault and rape, which one might find triggering.
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The VD Anthology
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