book review of Voices From a Forgotten Letter: Poems on the Syrian Civil War by Seif-Eldeine

 

This collection of poems shows how war impacts Syria and how life continues. They describe the Syrian people's everyday life, and some depict the lives of people who will die despite the war. There is an elderly mother who has diabetes and is being kept alive with insulin. There are tales of men breaking the rules playing a dice game and smoking heavily under a "No Smoking" sign. They also tell of the slave labor of refugees forced to work in sweatshops. Furthermore, a woman is forced to marry a man she does not love and endure his nightly assaults on her body.

We have all seen the Syrian Civil War reported on news stories. We are appalled at what is happening. Gasping with disbelief at the war-torn scenery and saddened by refugees escaping from their homes. However, this collection of poems gives the other side of these stories. People's lives continue. They have to work, marry, care for their families, and try and keep themselves safe and sane. 

I found the imagery conjured up by Seif-Eldeine of life going on despite the war very intense. The pictures created of children playing on rubble where their neighbor's houses once stood made me think. The bitter-sweet poem of a refugee bride far from home and mourning her father's arrest by the security forces broke my heart. She wants her father with her on her special day. He has always been her rock, and then she looks at her husband-to-be and realizes she will be safe with him.

One of the poems that resonated with me the most was about the last thoughts of a dying soldier. He looks up into pine trees and thinks about Christmas and his young son. There is the red of decorations like the red of his blood. Gradually the reds and greens merge until there is a ball of light above him, and then .... death!

I appreciated the addition of a glossary at the back of the book. Some terms and words used are in Arabic, so this resource was invaluable. I have learned a lot more about the Syrian conflict, and I am grateful to Seif-Eldeine for giving me a chance to learn through the power of poetry.

These poems are perfect as they are. I would change nothing about Voices From a Forgotten Letter: Poems on the Syrian Civil War and give a well-deserved 5 out of 5 stars. Seif-Eldeine captures the very troubled lives of the Syrian people. His imagery is intense; you are a part of the scene being played out. I learned about the soldiers on the front line, and the lives of the everyday people trying to keep life as normal as possible for the future they all dream of!