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Ratings: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Genre: Poetry / Political Poetry / Contemporary Poetry

Book Review:
This Other Trojan Woman is a powerful and evocative collection of poetry from Kamala Wijeratne, a senior poet whose voice carries the weight of experience and moral conviction. This is not poetry for its own sake; it is poetry with a purpose—a clarion call to awaken political consciousness and conscience.

The title itself is a brilliant allusion, drawing a parallel between the ''Trojan women'' of Greek mythology and the countless women whose lives have been shaped and shattered by war, particularly in the Sri Lankan context. Wijeratne's poems grapple with the aftermath of conflict, the accusations of human rights violations, the role of media (with references to Channel 4's documentaries), and the silencing of marginalized voices.

What makes this collection so compelling is the poet's refusal to remain silent or complacent. At a time when the victors and the vanquished are often treated with unequal attention, Wijeratne chooses to speak for those whose stories remain untold. Her language is both lyrical and sharp, capable of evoking deep emotion while also provoking critical thought.

The introduction by Chandana Dissanayake provides valuable context for understanding the significance of the work. This collection is an important contribution to Sri Lankan poetry and a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of literature, politics, and human rights.