'Scream/Queen' review: CD Eskilson's debut poetry collection views trans identity through horror

Apnews - Mar 24th, 2025
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CD Eskilson's debut poetry collection, 'Scream/Queen,' delves into the complex relationship between the LGBTQ+ community and the horror genre. The book is structured into sections with evocative titles like 'Para/Normal,' 'Found/Footage,' and 'Body/Horror,' each exploring the duality of these themes. Eskilson employs a variety of poetic styles, from couplets to blackout poetry, showcasing a broad talent that belies the collection's debut nature. The musicality of Eskilson's language, perhaps influenced by a past in music, adds a unique rhythm to the work, making the reader feel both the lyrical and staccato moments of the collection. With references to horror classics like 'Halloween' and 'The Fly,' Eskilson examines how these films archive resistance, drawing parallels between horror movie antagonists and marginalized individuals in society.

Beyond horror, 'Scream/Queen' is a deeply introspective work, addressing themes of chronic illness, failed relationships, and joy through a mix of personal history, pop culture, and contemporary issues. The collection also features interviews and references to other poets' work, creating a rich tapestry that respects the poetic form while pushing its boundaries. Despite its relatively short length of about 80 pages, 'Scream/Queen' offers a profound exploration of identity, fear, and the celebration of survival, making it a significant contribution to both LGBTQ+ literature and the broader poetic landscape.

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RATING

6.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a thoughtful exploration of CD Eskilson's poetry collection "Scream/Queen," effectively highlighting the intersection of horror and LGBTQ+ themes. It is well-written and clear, making the content accessible and engaging for readers interested in these topics. However, the lack of direct source citations and transparency regarding the author's methodology and potential conflicts of interest weakens its credibility. While the article touches on timely and culturally relevant themes, its impact is likely limited to niche audiences. Enhancing source quality, transparency, and engagement strategies could strengthen its overall quality and broaden its appeal.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story presents a well-rounded discussion of CD Eskilson's poetry collection, "Scream/Queen," with factual claims that align well with the available information. The article accurately describes the collection's themes, structure, and Eskilson's background as a poet. The mention of the LGBTQ+ community's relationship with the horror genre is a broader cultural assertion that is generally supported by existing discourse in literature and media studies. However, specific claims such as the exact titles of the sections and the types of poetry employed, like blackout and cleave poetry, would benefit from direct citations or references to the collection itself to ensure precision. The accuracy of these claims is corroborated by sources discussing Eskilson's work and the themes within "Scream/Queen."

7
Balance

The article maintains a balanced perspective by exploring both the thematic content of the poetry collection and its broader cultural implications. It acknowledges the duality of horror as both a genre and a metaphor for the experience of being 'Othered.' However, the piece primarily focuses on the positive aspects of Eskilson's work, such as their talent and the cohesiveness of the collection, without addressing potential criticisms or differing interpretations of the themes. This could lead to a somewhat one-sided view that might overlook other critical perspectives on the intersection of horror and LGBTQ+ identities.

8
Clarity

The article is well-written, with clear language and a logical flow that makes the content accessible to readers. It effectively communicates the themes and significance of Eskilson's poetry collection, using vivid descriptions to convey the emotional and intellectual depth of the work. However, the inclusion of more detailed explanations of specific poetic forms and how they contribute to the collection's themes could enhance understanding. Overall, the article maintains a neutral tone, focusing on the subject matter without unnecessary embellishments.

6
Source quality

The article does not explicitly cite sources or references, which diminishes its credibility. While it discusses CD Eskilson's work and themes, the lack of direct quotes or references to interviews, reviews, or academic discussions weakens the authority of the claims made. The information about Eskilson's previous publications and achievements could be strengthened by citing specific anthologies or journals where their work has appeared. Without these attributions, readers must rely on the presumed expertise of the author rather than verifiable sources.

5
Transparency

The article lacks transparency in terms of sourcing and methodology. It does not provide detailed information on how the analysis of "Scream/Queen" was conducted or whether the author has any direct insights from Eskilson or related experts. Furthermore, the article does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest, such as affiliations with the publisher or the poet, which is crucial for maintaining impartiality. Greater transparency would involve clarifying the basis for the claims and the author's relationship, if any, to the subject matter.

Sources

  1. https://writingworkshops.com/blogs/news/meet-the-teaching-artist-formal-constraints-in-poetry-with-cd-eskilson
  2. https://acre-books.com/titles/scream-queen/
  3. https://kenyonreview.org/contributor/cd-eskilson/
  4. https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/distributed/S/bo245013529.html.html
  5. https://www.thetelegraph.com/entertainment/article/book-review-debut-poetry-collection-20237704.php