WRITING STYLE: 4/5
EXPRESSIVENESS: 3.5/5
ENTERTAINMENT QUOTIENT: 4/5
What to expect?
Giran is a beautiful collection of poetry written in Urdu but using the English Alphabet (The Latin Script). It is meant to be read by those who understand Hindi/Urdu even though it is published in English. The book is a collection of 34 lovely shayaris all of which are a treat to read.
The Beautiful Themes
The magic of Giran lies in the varied themes that it explores. Most of the shayaris speak of the beauty of love, the pain of separation and of other such emotions concerning love but this is not the only theme that the book explores. Sahil writes on a lot of abstract topics such as Uphaas (Mockery), Parchhayi (Shadow), Manzil (Goal), Andhere (Darkness), Sawera (Morning), Gham (Grief) etc.
The Magic of Words
The way Sahil is able to express his emotions in words is simply commendable. Reading this book often becomes less of reading and more of listening. It is as if the reader gets a glimpse into the innermost corners of Sahil’s heart. There is a lot of pain in his words but it is this pain that makes these shayaris exquisite. Whichever topic he is writing on, there is a “Shikwa” (complaint) with which he writes. Now, often it is this “Shikwa” that increases the charm of the shayari manifolds.
My Personal Favourites
Though each shayaris is a piece of art, a few stood out amidst the rest. In Andhere, the author expresses to light, his fondness for the dark. Light beckons him, but he doesn’t wish to go to the other side. He loves the dark as it is the night that shelters him when the day looks away. The meaning is much more metaphorical than my words can convey but I hope that I am able to convey it’s essence here.
Manzil was another one which I absolutely loved. The author’s penchant for words is clearly visible in this one as well. In just a few words, it manages to impress, motivate and direct the reader to their “Manzil”.
“Muqaddar se nahi bante raaste,
raaste bante hain iraadon se.
Chattaano se nahi rukti aandhiyan,
na rukti hain pahaadon se.
Hausla ho ho toh milti hai manzil,
nahi milti manzil haar jaane se..”
What could have been better?
The only thing that could have been better in the book was the script in which it was written and published. Urdu should be read in the script that it belongs to, otherwise its original beauty gets lost. I hope that in the reprint this suggestion is taken note of.
Final Verdict
Giran is one book which is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. It is expressive and deep; painful and emotional. Just over hundred pages, it’s a short read but it is best to read bit by bit, cherishing and relishing each shayari until its very essence is absorbed by the reader.
In other words, it’s a gorgeous collection of shayaris which I would recommend to every lover of Urdu Poetry.
Who Should Skip?
Readers should skip this book only if they can’t agree with the idea of an Urdu poetry written in the Latin script (English).
Can’t wait to read it? Buy your copy of Giran using the link below.
Great review. Could rightly select from the book gist so that we can spend time on it ?
Thank you, dear. I am glad that you find the reviews helpful.
Giran is very refreshing with simple words depicting deep thoughts. One can connect so well with all the poems that reading each one brings a different kind of smile to your face. The ones like “tera zikr hai” just takes you to another world, some memory lane, somewhere in deep corners of your heart which are filled with pain but familiarity and even that pain in those words feel sooothing. Amazing work.
Completely agree with you. Sahil is a really expressive poet and somebody to watch out for.