I am a woman
who can be left in a desert,
and I'll come back smelling of jasmine.
Title: Wet Silence
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.wordpress.com/2015/06/02/wet-silence-by-sweta-srivastava-vikram-blog-tour-aug-21-sept-18/
Sweta's Video:
https://youtu.be/QqbUenw4h58
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4 comments:
Thank you so much for sharing your emotional response to this collection in your review. It is as poetic as the collection itself.
I 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.
My 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.
I can be so difficult to break traditions, even ones we want to get rid of. Thank you for this post.
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