I received this review two weeks ago on ‘Roads,’ from someone I’ve admired – Balroop Singh and in all the excitement I forgot to share it here.
Balroop Singh, is the author of several poetry and motivational Books (you can click on the link to find out more).
I remember when I began blogging in 2016, I saw a post on her book, ‘Sublime Shadows of Life.’ I loved the cover, the title and the blurb at first sight. I told my husband then, “I’d like to write like this one day and I’d really like to know what she would think of my poems.” That was way back in 2016. So when I read the below review on my first book Roads- A Journey with Verses , by this very same talented writer, it was a dream come true, for me.
Its’ an honor to receive such an encouraging review from her on my maiden venture. A perfect way to end the year.
Powerful Poetry : A Review of ‘Roads’
I have a separate page for the books I review but once in a while when some book touches me deeply, I post the review at the main page. As I clicked on the last page of Roads, I thought if a debut book is so good, sky is not the limit for these two budding poets!
‘Roads: A Journey With Verses’ by Vandana Bhasin and Smitha Vishwanath is a brilliant collection of poems that talk about life, love and the paths that mold us, values that mentor us, and pay a tribute to the persons who hold our hand through turbulent times to make our journey smoother.
In perfect sync with each other, Smitha’s tenderness is complemented by the exquisite style of Vandana who lashes out at societal norms that fetter us to the threshold, trying to slash our wings to compress us into compartments. Bold and chilling, her poems question the dogma, the exploitation and injustice that have been meekly accepted in the name of parochial diktats. Raising voice against subjugation, she calls upon shedding “the mask” and “darn the rules.”
One of my favorites, ‘Writer vs. Woman’ validates the power that lies dormant within the so-called fragile woman who proudly declares: “Do I need a better armor when words are my defense?” Realism percolates through their words as they capture a thousand emotions with élan. ‘Miss You When You’re Gone’ touches the most precious memories of letting go and breaking free from the stifling love that lingers despite the pride of watching our children soar toward the horizon of their choice. All mothers could relate to the pangs embedded within the words of Smitha.
For a person like me who values emotions and relationships, these poems are heart-warming. Along with tender moments of nurturing love and trust, self-belief, determination and courage stand out to reassure that there is no need to be swayed by the age-old traditions of embracing the defined roles. These poems would tug at your heart; stirring a thousand moments that stand and smile at you, reiterating that roads of life may be arduous yet shimmer with hope and happiness.
© Balroop Singh
This review has also been posted at Amazon.com and Goodreads.
Last but not least, on account of Christmas, we are offering Roads at a discount of 30% to all readers in India. Offer valid until Jan 15th. Order your copy now Amazon.in
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