One of the best thing about being a book blogger is that you often get the chance to read things you would normally have missed. Has Samiksha Tulika Ransom not messaged me on Instagram, then I might not have known this anthology existed. When I checked out the anthology, it sounded like exactly the kind of thing that I should be reading. I know I say it every time I review poetry but I don’t read enough poetry. Even though I studied the Romantic poets at university, I am still a little intimidated by poetry. I have much respect for anyone who writes it. I wouldn’t have confidence in myself. And if I did, I’d definitely never try and deal with such important themes.

In her debut collection, Samiksha Tulika Ransom deals with personal topics that everybody will be able to relate to. Her poems touch upon anxiety, loneliness, identity, pain, and hope. It’s a short collection but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t pack a punch. In a short space of time, you’ll be taken on an emotional journey with the writer and it will get you thinking about the way that you connect with the world around you. I’m not always a big fan of contemporary poetry because they tend to be more about style over substance. I want poetry to have depth and meaning. It’s got to be more about crafting a pretty sentence for Instagram. Thankfully, Samiksha Tulika Ransom understands depth.

These poems are incredibly personal so it feels as though you’re getting a glimpse at something you shouldn’t. It will also resonate with plenty of people. These are the same issues that plague young women from all walks of life. The poems work as a narrative for a young woman who is coming to understand her place in the world. There is sadness, pain, confusion but it all ends on a hopeful note. This is a collection of poems that shows how difficult it can be to work out who you are but it also shows that it’s possible. It shows that there is always a path out of the dark times and that you can find a way to accept your hardships.

Even though this is a debut collection, it feels very self-assured. The use of language is brilliant and beautiful. The poems are full of raw and real emotions. My only problem? It’s such a short collection! It’s great to be able to digest the whole story in one go but you’ll be wishing that there was a lot more to get your teeth into.