Book Review: Language of April by Lima Das| Poems

Posted by

Dr. Preeti Chauhan

–

December 8, 2024

Introduction

The book ‘Language of April’ emerged from Lima Das’s first foray into a poetry writing challenge called NaPoWriMo.

NaPoWriMo, short for National Poetry Writing Month, is an annual creative writing project that takes place every April. The goal of NaPoWriMo is to encourage poets of all skill levels to write and share poetry throughout the month. Participants are challenged to write one poem every day for the entire month of April, totalling 30 poems by the end of the challenge.

**Book Review: Language of April by Lima Das**

Lima Das’s debut poetry collection, Language of April, offers 30 poems that are a tender exploration of emotions and moments that shape our lives. Written at the youthful age of 19, the book reflects the raw and honest musings of a budding poet.

Her verses capture themes ranging from the euphoria of first love to the ache of heartbreak and the subtle joys of life’s simplest pleasures.

Writing Style

Lima Das’s writing style in Language of April can be described as intimate and evocative, with a focus on everyday beauty and personal connections. Her use of simple, conversational language creates an immediate sense of warmth and accessibility, making it easy for readers to connect with her thoughts.

Her verses capture themes ranging from the euphoria of first love to the ache of heartbreak and the subtle joys of life’s simplest pleasures.

I quote a few lines from her poem ‘Coffee’

“In the quiet morning’s gentle light,
Where dreams and dawn converge perfectly,
There you lie with me,
Like this cup of coffee in my hand,”

Here Das employs gentle imagery and metaphors that blend the mundane with the poetic. By comparing a loved one to a cup of coffee, she captures the warmth, comfort, and familiarity they bring to her life. The interplay of light, dreams, and dawn adds a subtle layer of depth, reflecting her ability to find poetic resonance in simple moments.

‘The debt of life ‘ is an ode to her Mother where she talks about her tender touch and tireless care and the words ‘Luchi’ and ‘kosha Mangsho’ add that touch of love that a hot home cooked meal denotes.

‘Deja Vu’ impresses with its opening lines giving a glimpse of her poetic potential.

Conclusion

Lima das’s style leans toward emotional honesty and sensory details rather than intricate wordplay or complex structures. This straightforwardness, combined with her youthful voice, gives the poems an unpolished yet authentic charm. However, the simplicity might occasionally veer into predictability for seasoned poetry readers.

The simplicity of her compositions ensures they resonate with a wide audience, making the book both accessible and relatable. While the raw and personal nature of her poems is endearing, occasional grammatical errors and a rare long title detract from the reading experience.

That said, these minor flaws are forgivable, as they reflect the unfiltered honesty of a young poet finding her voice.

Das’s writing showcases a budding talent with a clear affinity for capturing emotions in a relatable way, promising potential for further growth and refinement as she continues her literary journey.

Available for free on Kindle Unlimited, Language of April is a touching read for those seeking honest and heartfelt expressions of a young, evolving voice.

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