In 2021, I founded the Liminal Review of Books with Cher Tan. We have since published over fifty pieces of longform criticism by established and emerging critics of colour and First Nations critics. Read an excerpt from my introduction below.
To write about literary criticism on this continent is a difficult task. There is a tradition of conservatism that runs deep within the literary industry, in form, content, identity. I am not convinced that to offer specific examples of shoddy literary criticism (though it would be somewhat amusing) would not get me into a fair amount of trouble, and trouble is not something I’m looking for. I will admit, I’m very tired. I have been thinking of Bartleby lately: I would prefer not to.
Let me put it another way: Glissant wasn’t fucking around when he proposed one’s right to opacity. Staying with the trouble is one thing, but sometimes I’d just like my heart to stop beating so hard. I am loathe to be a coward, but there is a weight, a heaviness, an exhaustion which comes with holding others accountable, with being honest, or even direct. I would tell you what I think, but, as a racialised person, there is always so much more to lose. Read more >