13 Apr Review: Shadow Price
Shadow Price
Written by: Farah Ghafoor
House of Anansi Press Inc, 2025
ISBN: 9781487012922 (paperback)
9781487012939 (EPUB)
$22.99 CAD (hardcover)
$18.99 CAD (EPUB)
128 pages
Ages: Adult
Review by: Alexandra Becheru
As its name suggests, Shadow Price is a collection of poems that explores the hidden cost we attribute to everything, serving as a symbolic nod to the capitalist society we live in. Farah Ghafoor prompts us to question our collective humanity and the blissful ignorance of our actions, as well as their hidden impact on the environment and humankind. With surreal imagery and poignant wording, the reader is confronted with uncomfortable truths that challenge them to reflect on how their everyday actions contribute to larger global issues. Whether referencing the absurdity of the stock exchange, climate change denial, or the irony of self-care product marketing, Ghafoor’s words hold up a mirror to society, asking whether we still have time or if it is already too late. I personally found this collection of poems gut-wrenching, considering our current climate. The complexity of language and thematic symbolism throughout the poems make them perfectly suited for an audience of adults that are interested in social justice, climate change awareness, and environmental advocacy. I believe it would make an excellent addition to any library due to its cultural relevance and the creative way the book addresses these topics.