Title: Unseen Scars
Author: Martin Terrell
Publisher: Explora Books
ISBN: 9781998394784
Pages: 118
Genre: Biographies & Memoirs / Non-Fiction
Reviewer: Anthony Avina

Read Book Review

Even in the twenty-first century, it is impossible not to see the brutality and overt injustice which so many people around the world must deal with daily. In the United States, there has been an influx of inequality and injustice being dealt to all minority groups, but historically as with the modern times, the horrors that members of the black community have had to deal with are beyond measure, and the need to stand up and speak out against those injustices has never been more prevalent than it is today.

To showcase just such a fight against racially charged violence and abuse, author Martin Terrell showcases a profound and moving non-fiction read titled Unseen Scars. The collection of essays, poems, short form spoken word and so much more speaks to the injustices that have plagued the black community in the United States of America, from the Civil Rights Movement days to the modern era of police brutality and violence. Through this book, the author works to not only put a spotlight on the horrors facing this community and beyond but work to right these injustices moving forward.

A truly profound and moving read, the author does a brilliant job of writing in a way that both highlights the message of each chapter/passage while also delivering the writing in a way that feels like a conversation between the author and the reader. The personal and engaging way the author delves into each of these topics, and the vivid imagery used in the author’s writing allows the readers to not only feel the impact of these passages but visualize the scenes playing out in a visceral way.

Themes of police brutality, racism, justice, and the search for equality play out passionately with fervor throughout this collection. The personal dialogue which plays out in the titular passage, Unseen Scars, highlights the horror that so many members of the black community, especially young black men, must endure at the hands of those who should be sworn to protect and serve everyone, and yet target the most vulnerable. The exploration of both physical and emotional scars during these tumultuous times is felt in every sentence, and the way the author was able to balance out these important themes with both humor and passion, helped elevate the message and need to highlight these messages to the reader.