When it comes to Rupi Kaur, I am in a fix. Her poetry is unlike the traditional poetry. Some are breathtaking, some are brutally honest and some really beautiful but would I call them poems? I don’t think so.
Milk and Honey is more like a graphic poetry novel with simple illustrations. The illustrations tell their own story and evoke emotions even before you read the words. Rupi Kaur has beautifully captured the bruises women experience both with her words & her drawings. The book is divided into four sections: hurting, loving, breaking, healing. The verses deal with different emotions like love, violence, loss, trauma, abuse, heartbreak, healing and feminism.
The verses are raw and beautiful. As a reader, one can relate to her words. She moves you with her honest. She inspires you with her words.
“If you were born with
the weakness to fall
you were born with
the strength to rise”.
But….
Some people call this poetry. But to me, they seem more like instagram one-liners or a collection of quotable quotes from Tumblr/Pinterest. Some poems are really impactful but majority are like fillers. Rupi Kaur is passionate about the subjects she writes about and it reflects in her writing but if we talk in terms of quality, her verses are overrated. If you’re a fan of good old-fashioned poetry then you will be disappointed. Her scribbling has struck a chord with millions around the world but the literary talent is simply missing. If you want to read Rupi Kaur, read her for the content and without expecting any literary merit.
Title: Milk and Honey
Author: Rupi Kaur
Genre: Poetry
Original language: English
Originally published: 4 November 2014
Page Count: 204
©2019 Shaloo Walia All rights reserved
Looks like an interesting read Shaloo. Love the illustrations too!
Yeah…Some poems are really good.
I ahve heard about this book time and again but haven’t gotten around to it. Your review makes me want to grab hold of this copy right away!
It’s a good one time read…go ahead!
Interesting points!
Thank you!