Title – Unsung : poems
Author – Arunoday Singh
Price – Audiobook – 879/ , hardcover -279 , Kindle – 247.95
Pages – 163
Language – English
Genre – Poetry
Publisher – Penguin India
About the Author – Arunoday Singh
Born in Madhya Pradesh (U.P., India ) and raised in a powerful family with strong political roots ,Arunoday Singh was not new to being in the limelight. He attended a boarding school in Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu) where he participated in school plays before graduating from Brandeis University(U.S.A). Further he followed his passion and took up acting courses in New York and did some plays too.
He first appeared in the film Sikandar (2009), which was directed by Piyush Jha, making his debut as a Kashmiri terrorist.
In his first published work that is “unsung”, he makes references to having experienced a negative phase in life which prompted him to write down his feelings from time to time, finally coming together as this collection of poems.
About the cover design
The cover of Unsung : Poems by Arunodaya Singh is designed by Antara K. It shines in a beautiful oceanic hue and showcases a single sea shell as the centerpiece. The shell belongs to the Nautilus snail. Being even older than the dinosaurs, this organism is a powerful symbol of growth and renewal with its methodical and orderly expansion. The Nautilus has been an inspiration for many and hence graces the cover of this book. An unsung hero , the Nautilus shell carries unsung songs of the ocean.
About the book – Unsung : Poems by Arunoday Singh
After reading this collection of poems penned by Arunoday Singh ,whom I only knew as an actor so far, I was rewarded with joy which comes when you approach something without any preconceptions.
Interestingly the book consists of 5 chapters based on five elements of nature – Wind , Stone, Water, Flame and Spirit. You will know why when you go through them.
I chose the @audible_in version of this book to get a better feel of te writer’s work. Luckily for me ,the poet himself reads out his poems in the audio version.
In the end “Unsung ” is a collection of poems dealing with loss, despair and living , sometimes stoic but mostly inspiring like the phoenix’s rising from its ashes.
The verses written by Arunoday Singh are precise and invigorating.
His English is notably evolved but more or less one can easily understand the words and the inherent undercurrents. I personally related with most of his poems.
This piece of writing struck me as heart felt and genuine and I must say that the poet Arunoday Singh really has carved a place for himself in the world of Indian writing.
Final verdict
Apparently ,behind that difficult to ignore majestic physicality is a person who feels deeply and articulates it quite well.
In some places, Arunoday Singh does sound a bit self absorbed but it’s ok. After all, poems are meant to be an expression of what moves us, what goes in our minds therefore I feel it’s ok if most of them have a proliferation of the word ‘I’. They are about self discovery and mental peace .
I’m sure Arunoday Singh will share some more glorious thoughts and feelings soon enough.
Till then take a bow Arunoday Singh!!
The world is your oyster 💜
[ This #bookreview is a part of the #BlogChatter #TBRChallenge Activity that encourages us to read more books and talk more about books. March is all about #Poetrychatter and this is the third book of the reading challenge 2023 ]
Here are others for you to savor :
Book 1 – Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
Book 2 – Happening by Annie Ernaux
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13 responses to “Unsung : Poems by Arunoday Singh”
Before reading about the book, its cover page got my attention. It was good to read the reason and though process behind it. Talking about the book then I am not very much into poems but occasionally I like to read a few.
I had watched the Sikandar movie of Arunoday Singh and loved his acting. it is great that he has debuted as an author too. after reading your review, I felt that he has done complete justice to his craft. I am sure his book will be a treat to poetry lovers.
I didn’t know that Arunoday Singh is also an actor, good to know about him. The first that caught my eye about his book is the shell in the center of the book cover, it felt good to know the meaning behind that choice. I wish him all the very best for his book and his future as an artist.
Poems are always a delight to read for the in-depth meaning attached with every line. Thank you for introducing this book.
I like Arunoday Singh as an actor. Have watched his 1or 2 movies and a series too. Would love to check out his poetic expression too. Thanks for your recommendation.
I know Arunoday as an actor too and didn’t know that he wrote poems as well. Would love to try the audible version myself since being an actor he must’ve used voice modulation to create a beautiful expression for his words.
I was pleasantly surprised by his work myself. I hope you do give him a chance.
This post is a delightful surprise. The hunk writing poetry. How we make up our own perception about people. I would never think he could write poetry. The audio must be good. Is it obvious that I like Arunoday as an actor?
Luckily , I had gone through his Instagram account just by chance and discovered his writings and that bust the myth that he is another of those well connected beefy actor. He comes across as human as any with his gullibility and doubts and well fought wins. Thank you for your appreciation and comments!
I’m not a person who is into poetry reading but going by your review I think I could give this a try. Let me see
Wow, I am huge fan poetry and when I read such good reviews, I am so tempted to buy them. But as you have mentioned, I shall go for the audible version too. Hearing a poetry recited by the author himself, I believe, shall give more depth and meaning to the words as a listener. Thanks for sharing it.
Thank you for your appreciation and comments, I am sure you will relate with the themes of Unsung.
This book seems so interesting, I was not aware that he could write poetries. Thanks for this review, will surely get my copy.