Heritage Aesthetics is a collection of poetry from British-Cypriot writer Anthony Anaxogorou. It was one of the more modern poetry collections that I have read, and I enjoyed the contemporary feeling of the themes and writing.
As I read this book, I feel that I placed less pressure on myself to absorb or analyse pieces, and elected rather to let them wash over me. In doing, so the book ebbed and flowed along with my interest in the themes being explored. My focus would sharpen on pieces that tackled ethnic identity and family, however I also enjoyed the work on the Cypriot conflict, travel and Anaxagorou’s perspectives on generational differences.
The book also explored contemporary British culture and politics where Anaxagorou makes the effort to celebrate (I guess) working people, but is also critical of the politics and racism they are partly guilty of. The book presents a great variety of poetry structures and demonstrates a willingness from the writer to experiment in his expression which I appreciated and helped keep my interest.
I enjoyed most of all the more descriptive pieces written in first person. Anaxagorou’s works that appear to be set at home or in Cyprus in particular, present clear worlds full of emotional scenery, I can almost feel the Mediterranean sun and hear family speaking behind me when reading these pieces.
Good book, but I still feel that I need to read more poetry to understand if it’s actually good!
ehhere 
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