"Vodka by the Volga: A review

I just finished reading a collection of poems, with a unique name, “Vodka by the Volga: A duo of duelling dulcimers and daggers.” When I got the book, I thought I’d read it in one go. But after I read a few poems, I closed the book, for I did not want it to end too soon. I took time, dipping myself bit by bit, into these lyrical expressions. This book has Russia written all over it and that is what attracted me to it, other than the fact that it was written by two eminent writers, Dr Santosh Bakaya and Dr Ampat Koshy. At the very outset of my review, let me tell you the book is exquisite- from its title to its poetic texture. It is a delightful read that takes us to the beautiful land of Russia and refreshes your nostalgic memory of Russian fairy tales. The poems appeal to our senses, their language creates a soothing lull at times; sometimes, it rushes past with evocative imagery. The best part is that these poems refer to the Russian literature of the past and through them, a majestic land that boasted of an enriched culture and arts, is yet again alive before our eyes.

My favorite ones from Part 1: Russian Chronicles is The Wilderness and I still hear the strains of Lara’s tune– Both have beauty and nostalgia combined. In fact, this spirit runs through the entire collection, as the writers stride without hesitation across centuries, and bring us to the realm of the “Golden Age” of Pushkin’s poetry- Pushkin, the father of Russian literature. Her poems actually end up telling a poignant story that stays with you, after you close the last page, and does something to your heart. And you look on “as the half moon looks on with a full smile” (I still hear the strains of Lara’s tune.)

Dr Koshy in Part 2: RUSSOPHILE POEMS bring Pasternak, Dostoevsky and Gorky in our minds, with his magical verses. A series of Russian settings like Leningrad, St. Petersburg, Kyrgyz settles in our mind and the poems successfully capture the spirit of an age gone by.

The feeling left to us is bittersweet as both the writers meditate on history, loss, love, creativity, almost like sitting “by the Volga/ drinking vodka/ looking into your eyes” (To Russia, with Love). The beautifully worded preface by Dr Bakaya and the afterword by Dr Koshy are like bonus brownies for the readers who can hardly have enough of their sparkling prose.

In short, this fine collection took me on a nostalgic trip. The poems have a lyrical voice, artful rhymes, enriching images. It is a perfect compliment to any bookshelf.

Published in: https://fasihimagazine.com/?p=999959491