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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!

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