We Will Rise Again: Speculative Stories and Essays on Protest, Resistance, and Hope – A Personal Review
From the moment I stumbled across We Will Rise Again, I felt an almost magnetic pull. Perhaps it’s the grave yet hopeful nature of its title that resonated with my own recent struggles and hopes for a better future. Edited by the talented trio of Karen Lord, Annalee Newitz, and Malka Older, this anthology promises a riveting exploration of social justice through the lens of speculative fiction, and it certainly delivers on that promise.
This collection offers a rich tapestry of voices, ranging from established giants like N.K. Jemisin and Charlie Jane Anders to promising new writers. Each piece nudges the reader to consider our ongoing struggles and the myriad ways in which we can envision and enact change. Themes of disability justice, environmental activism, and community care pulse through the stories and essays, providing a collective heartbeat of solidarity and empathy.
I was particularly struck by how the writers utilized speculative fiction not merely as an escapist tool but as a means of building frameworks for our present and future. One standout piece was an essay by adrienne maree brown, who articulated the interconnectedness of resistance and joy—an insight that lingered long after I turned the page. This blending of personal narrative and thoughtful critique felt particularly significant, reminding me that our creativity can be a form of protest.
The anthology shines not only in its thematic depth but also in its vibrant narrative styles. Some stories are bursting with whimsical imagery that unfolds like a well-crafted dream, while others take a more direct and gritty approach to expose hard truths. I found this variety refreshing; it kept my engagement high and my expectations delightfully subverted.
Memorable moments abound in the text. A poignant line from a story early in the anthology reads, “Hope is a muscle. We must exercise it.” It resonated deeply with me, reinforcing an idea that many of us grapple with when faced with societal challenges: it’s not enough to wish for change; we must work towards it. This sentiment echoed throughout the collection, serving as both an invitation and a challenge.
As I wrapped up my reading, I found myself reflecting on how these stories can serve as a blueprint for solidarity. The editors have meticulously curated a collection that goes beyond entertainment—it equips us with the tools and inspiration to imagine our desired worlds and to fight for them.
I wholeheartedly recommend We Will Rise Again to anyone interested in the crossroads of speculative fiction and social justice. It’s an inspiring collection that will resonate with activists, dreamers, and readers alike who are eager to think critically about the world and what it could become. Allow yourself to be challenged, inspired, and, most importantly, encouraged to rise—because through these pages, you will indeed rise again.