Here's why Petals of Melancholy should be your next quick read!

'Petals of Melancholy' is a collection of 122 poems that covers a wide range of topics including loss, love, and mental health. The author's intention behind this collection was to offer solace and companionship to those who may be experiencing loneliness.

Last month, I received a copy of Varsha Alimchandani's latest release, Petals of Melancholy' and after seeing the cover which perfectly captures the mood of the book, I knew what it had in store for me. This is the second book by Alimchandani that offers a range of poetic pieces. They all don't rhyme but are surely meaningful and relatable. 

"The themes we often define in one line are incredibly vast and evoke different emotions in each person. To voice out these suffocating, suppressed yet extremely loud feelings of society is really the only way to endure life. My constant inclination toward it is due to the fact that I live it and it is all around me to be reminded of. Writing about it saves me from voices of myself", said Varsha while talking about what inspired her to pen the Petals of Melancholy.

There's a lot going on in this book and there is something new on every page. One of our favourites is 'Circle' where Varsha candidly talks about how new beginnings can be depressing and made difficult by old memories. 'Happening' is another piece that we found relatable which taps into how your inner loneliness can make you feel stuck but also gives you a chance to notice little things. You overthink but also appreciate opportunities and see the world through a different lens. 

Another favourite is the Old Geysor where she talks about procrastination and how one wants but is still unable to leave their comfort zone. There are a few quatrains like Evermore, Unsaid, and Child that are about childhood and family trauma that convey the purpose with which they were written. 

"The poems are written in a way that appeals to a wide range of audiences while allowing them to find personal meaning and individuality. It makes the reader witness that they are not alone in experiencing a multitude of unresolved emotions in life, and it is okay to feel this way. It has an evocative tone that raises questions while offering closure at the same time rather than preaching", she further said and we seconded her. 

In a nutshell, Petals of Melancholy is a quick and easy read that you might want to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee on your way to work or during a slow afternoon on a weekend. Go buy your copy and let us know your favourite!  

Varsha often publishes blogs on her website, and her future projects also include publishing expository non-fiction.