yesterday i was the moon by Noor Unnahar- Review
Writing: 5/5
Originality: 5/5
Style: 5/5
“yesterday — i was the moon
today — just an eclipse
something in me travels; some days it’s to the dark
some days it’s to the light”
yesterday i was the moon is a collection of poetry written by Noor Unnahar, a Pakistani author. This book explores a variety of themes including art, people, home, courage, self-love, strength, culture, acceptance and survival.
The actual layout of the book was stunning. There were the beautiful poems paired with incredible black and white photographs. This made the book feel more personal and almost like a journal.
The poems themselves resulted in me feeling speechless and in complete awe. I could read this book over and over again simply due to its beauty and how emotional these poems are.
“in pieces
yet at peace
i am a building
in a post war city”
These poems made me want to go and do something and not simply waste life. These poems give hope and strength for the future and this is expressed in the words used.
The writing is simplistic yet effective. I felt like I could connect with the words instead of feeling overwhelmed by heavy descriptions.
“i carry
the stories
the sadness
the victories
of people before me
i'm both a monument
and a future skyscraper
rising from the same skeleton”
The poems are in lowercase letter which I personally enjoyed. I felt like this simple and basic style made the poems easy to read and take in.
“i want stars, strength, and balance in my soul
it's been a while since they were last together in me”
“you are
the peace after wars
the calm after storms
and everything
insanely beautiful
that shapes after
a tragedy”
It is incredible and commendable to see how Noor Unnahar was able to express her life in a few simple words. As a reader, I was able to connect and relate to the poems. She was honest and showed no shame in showing who she was.
“next time i’m asked
about my confidence that glimmers
and whether it’s there in me because
the men of my family were too liberal
then i will tell them one thing
the men weren’t there when i was growing up
but women
they walk with grace and fire dances
with their cooking pans
their words are loud and eyes even louder;
woven with intelligence and history
the women in my family are shaped with
glass and love wrapped in silk
they teach their kids to speak with
kindness and firmness
so when they speak
they do so without hesitation”
I would recommend this book and I hope everyone takes a chance to read it. It is a beautiful book which deserves more recognition! I will definitely be reading it again and referring back to it!