Review: The Girl and the Goddess

 

Title- The Girl and the Goddess

Pages- 176

Author- Nikita Gill

Publisher- Random House UK, Ebury Publishing

Genre- Poetry, Mythology, Feminism, Fiction

Rating- 5/5

ISBN- 9781529104653

Source -NetGalley

Review no. -64

Synopsis-

Bestselling poet, writer, and instagram sensation Nikita Gill returns with an innovative novel in verse, exploring Hindu mythology and legend.

Let her be a little less human, a little more divine 

Give her heart armor so it doesn't break as easily as mine

Meet Paro. A girl with a strong will, a full heart, and much to learn. Born in a family reeling from the ruptures of Partition in India, we follow her as she crosses the precarious lines between childhood, teenage discovery, and realizing her adult self. In the process, Paro must confront fear, desire and the darkest parts of herself in the search for meaning and, ultimately, empowerment.

Nikita Gill's vivid poetry and beautiful illustrations have captured hearts and imaginations--but in The Girl and the Goddess, she offers us her most personal and deeply felt writing to an intimate coming-of-age story told in linked poems that offers a look into the Hindu mythology and rich cultural influences that helped her become the woman she is today.

Review -

The Girl and the Goddess by Nikitha Gill is a beautiful and poignant collection of poetry that explores the journey of healing, self-discovery, and empowerment. The book is divided into three - childhood, teenage and womanhood, each representing a different stage in the narrator's life.

Gill's writing is stunningly lyrical and evocative, with vivid imagery that brings the reader deep into the narrator's world. The themes of femininity, identity, and resilience are woven throughout the collection, with each poem adding to the larger narrative of the narrator's growth and transformation. 

One of the standout features of The Girl and the Goddess is the way that Gill seamlessly blends elements of mythology and folklore into the contemporary setting. This lends a sense of timelessness and universality to the poems, making them feel both ancient and modern at the same time. I personally feel very connected to the poems and it was very relatable- be it the way Indian households are described or the way the society or culture is brought to the pages. I am usually skeptical about free verse poems but I ended up loving this book because the verses were packed with power and meaning.

Overall, The Girl and the Goddess is a powerful and moving collection that will resonate with readers on a deep emotional level. Gill's writing is both understandable and profound, making this book a must-read for anyone who lovess poetry or is looking for a transformative and inspiring read.

I thank NetGalley and Random House UK, Ebury Publishing for giving me this wonderful opportunity. All opnions are my own.