Book Review: World Full of Elixir
By: Dr. Shaleen Kumar Singh
Suhani Singh’s ‘World Full of Elixir’ is a remarkable debut collection of poetry that goes beyond the boundaries of age and experience and offers the readers a reflective glimpse into the heart and mind of a young poetess . At just 14 years old, Suhani has crafted a tapestry of emotions, thoughts, and reflections that resonate with a maturity far beyond her years.
This collection of 30 poems from the hinterland of Badaun is not merely a book; it is an elixir—a brew of hope, vulnerability, and resilience that leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of its readers.
The slender book opens with an epigraph that sets the tone for the journey ahead: “Poetry is my style of moulding words that hold my feelings, emotions, thoughts, and everything I feel.” This pithy yet profound statement captures the essence of Suhani’s work.
Her poetry is deeply personal yet universally relatable, as she sails across themes of self-discovery, hope, despair, and the beauty of life’s small moments. Each poem of the collection is a testimony to her brilliant ability to transform raw emotions into eloquent verses, constructing an intimate and expansive narrative.
One of the standout merits of World Full of Elixir is Suhani’s inseparable bond to her roots. Hailing from the quaint town of Badaun in Uttar Pradesh, India, Suhani sketches beautiful images and attains inspiration from the natural world, the diversity of human experiences, and the intricacies of society.
Her poems are imbued with a sense of place and belonging, as if the rustic landscapes and vibrant culture of her hometown have seeped into her words. This deep grounding in her environment allows her to advance the ordinary into the extraordinary and again offering the readers a fresh perspective on the world around them, a world which full of elixir.
This debut collection is a montage of emotions, ranging from the poignant to the uplifting and images that make men reflective, pensive and delightful. In the poem ‘A Hope’, Suhani catches the weight of youthful struggles with striking imagery: “Every single drop of my tear has an echo in my heart, and just my thoughts seizing my mind like a vandal.” Yet, even in moments of despair, she clings to hope, likening it to a single matchstick that can light up the darkness. This juxtaposition of vulnerability and resilience is a recurring theme throughout the book and makes the book a deeply moving read.
Another significant poem in the collection is ‘My Kind of Life’, where Suhani exhibits on her unique perspective amidst the chaos of the world. She writes, “In this chaos of busy cities, can I have my own space please?” This poem is a powerful assertion of individuality and self-expression, as she celebrates the galaxy of dreams and fantasies within her. Her ability to find magic in the mundane and beauty in the tragic is a live indication to her poetic alchemy.
The book also includes heartfelt tributes to her mentors, such as ‘Oh My Dearest Teacher’!, where she expresses gratitude for the guidance and inspiration she has received. These poems add a layer of warmth and sincerity to the collection and showcase Suhani’s appreciation for the people who have shaped her journey of life.
Critiques from her mentors, including her school principal, Shubhra Pande, further highlight the significance of this work. Pande describes Suhani as a “beacon of inspiration” and praises her ability to weave wonder into her narratives. Indeed, World Full of Elixir is not just a collection of poems; it is a celebration of youthful creativity and the boundless potential of young minds.
Moderately priced at ₹180 the book World Full of Elixir is a must-read for poetry enthusiasts and anyone seeking a fresh, authentic voice in contemporary literature. The contemporary readership should come forward and buy books of young authors so that we may water and nurture the creative saplings like Suhani.
Suhani Singh’s debut is a testament to the power of words and the beauty of vulnerability. Her poetry is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always a spark of hope—a matchstick waiting to ignite the elixir of life.
To conclude, World Full of Elixir is a luminous debut that heralds the arrival of a promising new voice in the literary world. Undoubtedly, Suhani’s ability to capture the essence of human emotions with such grace and eloquence is truly remarkable. This book is not just a collection of poems; it is an invitation to explore the depths of the soul and discover the magic within. Suhani Singh is a name to watch, and her journey as a poet has only just begun. Felicitations to Suhani!
(The author heads the Department of English at Swami Shukdevanad College, Shahjahanpur, UP)
