Book Title: All You Who Sleep Tonight
Author: Vikram Seth
Published by: Penguin Books, India
Published on: January 1st, 2012
Genre: Poetry
**I purchased this book with my own money.There was no obligation to post/give this book a certain rating.
Vikram Seth’s novel in verse, The Golden Gate, was hailed by Gore Vidal as “the Great California Novel” and by the New Republic as “a tour de force of the transcendence of the mere tour de force.” Now he brings his romance with the English language, his effortless access to the deepest reservoirs of feeling, and his ability to light up the plain surfaces of everyday life to this stunning collection of poems.
When I was looking for a poetry book to read for Blogchatter’s #TBRChallenge for the month of March, I came across this book on Amazon. It had such rave reviews that I immediately picked it up.
Vikram Seth’s All You Who Sleep Tonight is a collection of poems divided into five sections: Romantic Residues (which has poems on love, the memories, and anything related to it), In Other Voices (which are translations), In Other Places (poems which describes some scenic place), Quatrains (simply a stanza of four lines), and Meditations of the Heart (as the name suggests, it’s going to touch your heartstrings).
I went in without any expectations though it is a Vikram Seth book. And I was mindblown by the very first poem, ‘Round and Round‘ which will bring a smile to your face; even a giggle if you are someone like me.
Mr. Seth has definitely got a way with words and it is clearly visible in each of his poems. It reflects his humour, wit, poignance, attention to detail, and depth of varied emotions.
Though the first (Romantic Residues) and last (Meditations of the Heart) contain most of my favourites, the Quatrians are mesmerizing.
🔥🔥🔥“My love, I love your breasts. I love your nose.
I love your accent and I love your toes.
I am your slave. One word, and I obey.
But please don’t slurp your coffee in that way.“
The poems are written in simple words, nothing extraordinary and anyone can enjoy them. You will find it surprisingly sweet that he could easily weave poems based on such trivial things in life. Further, these poems rhyme too and you will enjoy reading his lyrical verses.
From love, loss, grief, nostalgia, and reminiscence, Mr. Seth perfectly describes the little but beautiful moments in life with such elegance that you would continue to read one poem after another.
A short book, it is a quick and feel-good read.
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In a gist, here’s what you can expect from this book.
💫Short and Sweet 💫Intricately crafted 💫Engaging 💫Excellent plot
I hope you like this book as much as I did.
Yes! You will not be disappointed!
Have you read All You Who Sleep Tonight? I’d love to know your thoughts.
Find all my book reviews here.
I’m participating in #BlogchatterA2Z and My theme for the A to Z Challenge this year is ‘Celebrating the Bibliophile in me’, where I will be sharing the books, authors and fictional characters that I love, loathe and tolerate.
Ah, there could be more!
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You may also read:
Best Dark Academia Books to Read
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Haven’t read the book but looks interesting. All the best and will look forward to reading more
I haven’t read this one and I’m surprised how!
Will be buying this one soon now. Your review and the excerpt from the book have sold it for me
“But please don’t slurp your coffee in that way” made me laugh.
Yes, I smiled too when I read the lines you’ve quoted here. I’ve never read Vikram Seth’s poems, only (half-read) some of his voluminous books. This one certainly looks very enticing.
Sounds like a good book if you like poetry 🙂
Ronel visiting for A:
My Languishing TBR: A
Accomplished Athena
Have surprisingly never read Vikram Seth’s poetry, though his, A Suitable Boy is my absolute favourite book. Will surely check it out