{"product_id":"monster","title":"Monster","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe exciting and complex debut collection from Dzifa Benson, \u003cem\u003eMonster\u003c\/em\u003e is a bold and lyrical exploration of the Black female body as a site of oppression and resistance.\u003c\/b\u003e At its heart is a study of the world of Sarah Baartman, aka the Hottentot Venus, a Khoikhoi woman from South Africa who was displayed in freak shows in 19th-century Europe. Baartman’s voice is framed within the social, political and legal structures of the day, offering a unique perspective.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOther poems draw clear parallels with Benson’s own experience as a Black woman born in London but raised in Ghana who returned to the UK at the age of 18. The collection is a mix of vivid lyricism, sometimes laced with dark humour, using complex poetry, monologue and theatrical devices. The influence of Shakespeare sits comfortably with references to Ewe mythology and history in a collection of wide scope and depth. This is a highly accomplished first collection by a mature voice. As one of a small group of published Black women poets, Benson makes an important contribution to current British poetry with the publication of \u003cem\u003eMonster\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MediaPlace","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57395139543422,"sku":"NW9781780377261","price":11.75,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0817\/1379\/1261\/files\/9781780377261.jpg?v=1778601632","url":"https:\/\/mediaplace.com\/products\/monster","provider":"MediaPlace","version":"1.0","type":"link"}