This plain perzine bears the small, scared title “history of violence” accompanied by a cover photo of a fist punching a hole in the wall. My immediate thought is “ah yes, dating people with anger issues.” The narrative voice comes from an unknown author. Their name, gender, age, etc. are not noted I realize after reading their entire story. I wonder if this is intentional? I realize my lack of knowledge of whose voice this is doesn’t matter. What matters is the story of emotional abuse and physical threats. What matters are the impacts these acts have on an individual: how living with violence translates into self-esteem issues and a skewed view of love. We enter their story when it’s already in the throes of an abusive cycle, and watch the author work their way through debilitating self doubt, and a wish for love that doesn’t include violence. I find myself rooting for them to get out, to realize their worth. Eventually they are physically free of this relationship, but the burdens it leaves behind are obvious, and so is the journey ahead. A brave tale, one that many will benefit from hearing. (heze douglas)
Anonymous, perzine, $4, [email protected]