Critics of Mystery Marvel: Collected Poems - Paperback

by Youssef Alaoui (Author), Laila Halaby (Introduction by)

CRITICS OF MYSTERY MARVEL is the debut full-length poetry collection by Youssef Alaoui, which delves into the complexities of human relationships across individuals, cultures, races, and genders. Alaoui skillfully employs archaic tones to create a unique artistic approach to metaphor in his verses, crafting vivid images that exist primarily in the imagination rather than on the page. This collection is divided into ten sections that reflect on Alaoui's family and heritage, serving as a rich source of inspiration for his diverse, dark, spiritual, and sensual writings. He weaves together elements of surrealism, magical realism, and linguistic transformation as he examines themes of love, gender, poverty, politics, racism, and war. Some poems are presented in French and Spanish, with translations into English. Drawing from post-beat influences in the San Francisco Bay area and Big Sur, CRITICS OF MYSTERY MARVEL offers poetry that resonates deeply, illuminating the soul with its metaphorical brilliance.

Author Biography

YOUSSEF ALAOUI is a Moroccan Latino American poet, author, editor and artist. Alaoui studied classical Arabic and Spanish baroque poetry, and Moroccan contemporary poetry at New College of California, San Francisco. His work has appeared in Exquisite Corpse, Big Bridge, Cherry Bleeds, 580 Split, Full of Crow, Carcinogenic Poetry, Dusie Press, Tsunami Books, Red Fez, and Rivet Journal. He is the author of the novella, The Blue Demon (2012), Death at Sea--Poems (2013), and the short story collection, Fiercer Monsters (2017). http: //youssefalaoui.tumblr.com