* I received an advance copy from the author, in exchange for an honest review *
I came across Akif Kichloo on Instagram, and found myself scrolling through, constantly double-tapping. Naturally, I was thrilled to receive an advance copy of his second book.
Poems That Lose explores a number of themes: sexuality, religion, culture, mental illness, childhood, love, family. I know Kichloo writes with such emotion and depth, but I was not expecting the intensity these poems hold. The collection is both gritty and elegant. Kichloo adeptly writes about raw and delicate subjects with both tenderness and intensity.
This is one of those books you keep with you for life. For guidance, for support, for encouragement. One you recommend to others. One you go back to just to read that one poem which resonates with you at that particular juncture in your life, or purely because the words spoke something to you. They will. The words will speak to you -whether or not you've been through the experience.
Due to the subject nature of the poems, they can be very visceral and unapologetic. You may be left feeling emotionally spent, having been taken on an emotional roller-coaster. This is nothing to be sorry for. It is what makes Kichloo different. He isn't afraid to push emotional and poetic boundaries, to write about "taboo" topics in a very real, genuine manner.
The writing is honest. It is rousing. It is beautiful.
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Genre: Poetry
Publisher: Read Out Loud Publishing
Date of publication: 26th September 2017
Pages: 104
My rating: 4 out of 5