Book Review
Title: Artmore Anthology
Editor: Bettie Atemo
Publisher: Coffee Shayar Publication
First Published: October 2024, Bharat
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Reviewed by Simiyu S. Stanford
Bettie Atemo’s Artmore Anthology, published by Coffee Shayar Publication, is a vibrant collection of poetry and prose that brings together voices from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. This anthology, marked by its mature content disclaimer, is a thoughtfully curated compilation aimed at an adult audience, reflecting themes of identity, love, existentialism, and introspection.
Each piece within the anthology encapsulates a unique worldview. Divided by individual contributors, it begins with works from writers like Amb. Priyanka Neogi, who opens with the poem Flying, setting a reflective and deeply personal tone for the collection. Contributors span multiple countries and backgrounds, from Auwal Ahmed Ibrahim, who delves into the darker recesses of the human heart in The Evil in a Heart, to Binod Dawadi’s poignant military reflections in A Soldier.
Diversity in language and style is another highlight, with multilingual pieces like পিতার à¦à¦œà¦¨ offering readers a glimpse into the linguistic heritage of various regions. The sections featuring poems such as Mount Gauyan, Water is the Source of Life, and The Colour of India celebrate nature and cultural identity, while others, like Wycliffe Munga’s The Mirror of Pain, navigate the complexities of personal and collective struggle.
Notably, Artmore Anthology goes beyond traditional themes, venturing into contemporary issues like inflation, existential crises, and the pressures of modern relationships. The poetry is rich with symbolism and often tinged with melancholy or nostalgia, which encourages readers to reflect on the multifaceted human experience.
About the Editor
Bettie Atemo, the editor, has successfully crafted a cohesive anthology that respects each author’s voice while providing a platform for new perspectives on universal themes. Her editorial guidance is evident throughout, as she curates each piece to complement and build upon the preceding ones, creating a rhythmic progression of ideas and emotions.
 Standout Pieces
Simiyu S. Stanford’s Game of Silence offers readers a contemplative pause within the anthology, exploring themes of silence and its unspoken power. Melusi Steyn’s A Sweet Ballad of Tinker Tales and Trebor’s heartfelt To My Child, My Heart bring gentler tones, focusing on familial love and legacy. These works highlight the anthology’s emotional breadth, from celebration to heartbreak and back again.
Conclusion
Overall, Artmore Anthology by Bettie Atemo is a rich tapestry of voices, styles, and themes. It’s a collection that both celebrates and questions the intricacies of life, love, and loss. The anthology’s mature content, as noted in the disclaimer, adds depth, as each author freely explores complex emotions and societal challenges, inviting adult readers into an introspective journey.
Recommendation
This anthology is ideal for readers who enjoy diverse, reflective literature that challenges conventional boundaries. Bettie Atemo’s editorial finesse ensures that each piece contributes to a larger conversation, making Artmore Anthology not only a work of literary art but also a platform for cultural dialogue.
