There are instances in your life, when you stumble upon amazing things and they form a part of your life. In a similar way, I came across this Art book called 'Marrow' and reading its summary caught my attention. The book was a collection of poems revolving around cancer afflicted people. Much has been written about cancer, the self-engulfing disease, where uncontrolled division of cells unitedly try to end a being, and hence I decided to read it and embarked upon this poetic journey.
Before starting what lies inside, I will like to say something about the outside. The book is graciously simple, with a minimalistic layout composing of a white cover (shown below) with a thread running along its spine, adding more to its elegance. I know, I am talking more about the 'Look and Feel', but sometimes these parts need mentioning and portray the author's mindset.
Mrs. Albuninah is a poem written from an inquisitive outlook, with periodic switching between 2 stories- A hospitalized Irani woman and the person's nephew, both afflicted by cancer. The poem is a beautiful observation, coupled with a simplistic view, trying to understand, observe and absorb what is happening around. From the people visiting, to the patients' eating habits, and a want of striking a conversation, Sabne has tried to keep it simple and direct.
There are sparks of amazement, where the poetess gets into finer details with description of the woman's eyes, beautiful and teary, telling you a story, carrying the sorrow of generations.
Before starting what lies inside, I will like to say something about the outside. The book is graciously simple, with a minimalistic layout composing of a white cover (shown below) with a thread running along its spine, adding more to its elegance. I know, I am talking more about the 'Look and Feel', but sometimes these parts need mentioning and portray the author's mindset.
The book consists of 3 poems, viz Mrs. Albuninah, Memory Fractured and Marrow (the title).
Mrs. Albuninah is a poem written from an inquisitive outlook, with periodic switching between 2 stories- A hospitalized Irani woman and the person's nephew, both afflicted by cancer. The poem is a beautiful observation, coupled with a simplistic view, trying to understand, observe and absorb what is happening around. From the people visiting, to the patients' eating habits, and a want of striking a conversation, Sabne has tried to keep it simple and direct.
There are sparks of amazement, where the poetess gets into finer details with description of the woman's eyes, beautiful and teary, telling you a story, carrying the sorrow of generations.
"Her Eyes
Are the most striking thing
Dark and deep like pools
At midnight
They are lighter
Around the edges of the irises
Decidedly brown"
The nephew's distress, pain, anguish due to the treatment is captured in detail. This part is a dramatic turn and may not go well with the faint-hearted, but reality cannot be cushioned. This poem is the lengthiest amongst the 3 and is a deep, detailed and immersive experience of living through 2 stories.
Memory fractured and Marrow are 2 direct tattles, speaking of death, with a tinge of gore and absolute conviction.
Overall, the book brings together stories, talks, ideas, all revolving around Cancer and its effects on the people afflicted, their relatives and give you an insight into one of the dreaded phenomenon - CANCER.
Everyone should read this once.
The proceeds from the book go to St. Jude's hospital.
Thank you! You are amazing for writing this!
ReplyDeleteI agree..... A must reeeeeaaaaadddddd.
DeleteThanks Sabne!! The book made me write this involuntarily. :P
ReplyDelete