Review by AstridZ08 -- Best Evidence by Mark S. Osaki

[AstridZ08]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Best Evidence" by Mark S. Osaki.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Best evidence is the title that briefs very well the set of poems in this book. His work is full of euphemisms which subtly and defly describe the pains ans dilemas of an immigrant. Divided into four parts: “Walking Back the Cat”, “Dying Arts”, “Tradecraft” and “Best Evidence”; it is shown into the verses, evidences throughout the years and also of daily routine about marginalization of Asians who live in the USA, but also it’s a reflection of his own existence as a human being. It’s reported his past moments in poems that the author dedicated to his own mother.

Into the stanzas are represented the return of a descendant to its origins who is sailing in the sea of photographs and memories of his time. Through those memories, we notice ordinaries actions in the daily life that demonstrates prejudice of people regarding to other races, sometimes unnoticed by society but not for those who faces it everyday. These particular actions are described talentedly and shows the inner thoughts of a person who is reminiscing the past.

Not only the sacrifices of a refugee people are reported, but also inner and trivial dilemma that every human being goes through. Feeling such as hope, uncertainty, passion, resignation and nostalgia are the themes that compound the texts; and ordinary actions like making tea or seeing a photo leads to epiphany.

The book contains poems that reveal some main motives of immigration and also of prejudice not only to Asian people, but to the refugees in general. The duality of mind and uncertainties leads humans always to think about death, skepticism about excessive patriotismo, also loneliness and frustration of who miss his friends and relatives are wrote in such deep words and metaphors. The author mixes impersonal poems with self- evaluative inner poems, as noticed in “Ghost Story”.

He wrote it in the first person, so the reader could have a sensation of experiencing every moment. The author tries, poetically, induce reflection, and this was one of the things I liked the most in this book. Although, the alternation between impersonal poems and personal ones may leave the reader somewhat confused, but I believe that this experience also was what enriched the whole set of poems. For that reason, I evaluate 3/4 note.

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Best Evidence
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