Black Apple is a dynamic, often raw poetic examination of the modern urban landscape. Joyce Angela Jellison uses verse as a microscope to examine politics, sexuality,race,poverty, class and feminism. The book moves fluidly into short stories and essays that delve into the complexities of human lives and attempts to chip away at the many fascades we may cultivate in order to assimilate into modern society. The book introduces us to characters such as Michael, a homosexual black male, married to a white woman and determined to live in two worlds opposing one another.We also meet Arun Ray, a blind man whose love for his brother's wife lead to the supernatural. In the tradition of Lucille Clifton, Nikki Giovanni and Sonia Sanchez - Ms. Jellison has cut a lyrical vein and poured her creative vision onto the pages of Black Apple. |
