Seasons: Book Review by Asha Seth

Author: Priyam Acharya| Genre: Poetry | Pages: 178

The Blurb:

Seasons is an eclectic blend of works that would engage the seeker, the thinker, the die-hard romantic, the wanderer, the dreamer, the optimist, the skeptic, the artist, the closet philosopher and of course the poetry lover – there’s something for each of these! With inspiration derived from people, situations and from life experiences, it is hoped to keep the reader engaged by offering diverse perspectives on the ideas of relationships, marriage, separation, spirituality and freedom.

Review Available on: Instagram | Amazon| Goodreads

The Review:

Poetry nudges you to look into the days when you fail to notice anything extraordinary about it. Because each and every day that touches you, has something in it for you. And I must say that the same goes for every person, every relation, every emotion that brushes past you.

Author Priyam Acharya’s debut collection of poems, Seasons, is a welcome respite from the mundaneness of life, as it treads along side while you pass it, one day at a time. Such is the beauty prevalent through some of the poems in this collection. Right from the cover, everything about this book feels warm and inviting. Don’t you think?

‘Tasseography’ is a sweet representation of how even the most trivial things can stir one’s heart. ‘The Stamp and Inkpad’ is all about how a beloved’s pain and pleasure is all your own, when one truly loves someone. ‘Sweater’ shows us how no matter what kind of love, when its gone, it leaves behind traces. ‘Rolling Stone’ takes us through time to reveal that peace even in the heart’s most turbulent times, is precious. ‘Gratitude’ hits home trying to express how one must always count their blessings.

I could go on and on, for every piece has some long-lasting message. Looking back, I feel it is impertinent to think of how or what mood did the words take birth from when they resonate so well with your conscience, if you stop back and think that is. You pause to revel in a moment of wonder exclaiming, ‘Oh, that’s so true!’ or ‘Wow, that’s dang brilliant observation!’ That said, you have got to be in the right frame of mind to rightfully appreciate the author’s work. Evenings may not be the right time to read this collection, but perhaps, the half hour of solitude just before you hit bed. Or maybe it was just me!

Finally:

The central theme being love, the author has explored several facets of it such as melancholy, joy, separation, betrayal, etc. weaving them quite beautifully with great prudence, capturing the emotions with a frugal flair, through introspective words. While the writing is deft, a lover of poetry might feel unsatiated through most entries, as the writing does not manage to scrape below the surface, leaving the reader feeling slightly empty.

Outstanding, though, for its simplicity, making it decipherable for an audience of any age and craft. One may not be a poetry genius and yet find themselves agreeable through this collection, which, according to me, is an important thing to maintain in any work of creativity. An awe-inspiring attempt for a debut.

If you happen to read ‘Seasons’ or have already read it, do share your thoughts below.

P.S: I received a review copy from the author but the review remains unbiased.