I am a woman
who can be left in a desert,
and I'll come back smelling of jasmine.
Author: Sweta Srivastava Vikram
ISBN: 9781615992560
Publisher: Modern History Press/2015
Pages: 72
A poetry collection that hits hard. Gut wrenching emotions pour forth. How do I review it? Being an Indian, I have heard, seen, felt enough. So close that the mind shuts down.
Widowhood is a curse even now in many parts of India. She is made to shun all worldly pleasures. She can't attend any auspicious functions. Can't wear colours, can't have certain foods. I have heard it all and more. In my paternal grandma, who was widowed at 18, with a two year old son and carrying another in her womb. And then she lost her second child at 28 years of age. She brought up my dad single-handed, with virtually no support from her so-called family.
When I was old enough, I could even feel her longings, her deep sadness. Yet I also saw the strength.
When my dad passed away 13 years ago, I saw my mom reach out for white sarees, and shun certain foods. My brothers and I did not allow it. How could we?
Sweta Vikram has made the women reach out to us. Somehow it saddened me. Her poetry reaches out. Yet I had mixed feelings. Maybe because it was too close to home.
Posted for Poetic Book Tours:
https://poeticbooktours.
Sweta's Video:
https://youtu.be/QqbUenw4h58
Thank you so much for sharing your emotional response to this collection in your review. It is as poetic as the collection itself.
ReplyDeleteI don't read much poetry, but if it is well written, it will strike a chord with readers. It sounds like this book definitely affected you. Thank you for sharing your personal experiences, along with your opinion on the book.
ReplyDeleteMy Tuesday post features SAMUEL & SOPHIA.
My review of this will post Thursday, but I agree. Such a powerful book of poems that really reach the heart. I am glad I had the chance to read this one.
ReplyDeleteI can be so difficult to break traditions, even ones we want to get rid of. Thank you for this post.
ReplyDelete