FROM WAR TO PEACE, POLITICS TO POETRY, LOVE TO LOSS: UNEXPECTEDLY BY MAITHREE WICKRAMASINGHE IS WHERE THE PERSONAL MEETS THE POLITICAL IN POETIC HARMONY
Maithree Wickramasinghe’s collection of poetry, Unexpectedly, emerges as a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of life’s complexities, weaving together personal narratives with socio-political reflections. This powerful body of work captures the essence of Sri Lanka from the 1970s to the present, chronicling its tumultuous journey through war, peace, political upheaval, and personal crisis. Through evocative and diverse poetic voices, Wickramasinghe crafts a transformative experience for readers, affirming poetry’s ability to confront, comfort, and inspire.
Ameena Hussein, author of Ibn Battuta in Sri Lanka, aptly describes the collection as “a stimulating and thought-provoking body of work.” She highlights the poet’s willingness to engage with subjects that are both deeply personal and unsettling. Wickramasinghe’s poetic voice is characterized by tenderness, raw emotion, and an unwavering feminist perspective. The poems delve into themes of humanity, feminism, violence, and mortality, offering insights that resonate universally while remaining rooted in the specific socio-political context of Sri Lanka.
The collection also receives praise from Salima Hashmi, renowned painter and artist, who observes the poet’s ability to “rearrange words to sharpen their intensity; startling, sensuous, unafraid.” Hashmi underscores how the poems speak to shared histories while transcending boundaries to explore the joys and sorrows of contemporary life. The poet’s gentle yet fearless precision in probing pain and loss ultimately guides readers toward hope and healing.
Malashri Lal, academic, writer, and anthologist, highlights the symbolic power of colors and the human body in Wickramasinghe’s work. According to Lal, Unexpectedly “challenges many assumptions about the business of living,” using vivid imagery and metaphors to reinterpret social and political dynamics. Feminist questions emerge with fresh perspectives, offering readers new ways of understanding the complexities of gender, identity, and societal expectations. Lal emphasizes how the poetry captures Sri Lanka’s history interwoven with the poet’s unique personal experiences, resulting in a collection that both startles and mesmerizes.
Wickramasinghe’s poetry navigates a vast emotional and thematic landscape, moving seamlessly from the personal to the political, the social to the cerebral, and the experiential to the philosophical. The poems reflect on the author’s life in academia, encounters with disease, and the complexities of her husband’s political career. These elements combine to create a rich tapestry that invites readers to contemplate their own lives and the broader world.
One of the defining features of Unexpectedly is its ability to capture the dualities of existence. The poetic voices employed by Wickramasinghe are passionate yet tranquil, measured yet nonchalant, ironic yet sincere. This dynamic range allows the collection to be both instinctive and historical, offering readers a multifaceted understanding of the poet’s experiences and reflections. The poems are haunting and imaginative, lingering in the reader’s mind long after the final page.
The backdrop of Sri Lanka’s socio-political landscape serves as a powerful canvas for Wickramasinghe’s poetry. The collection provides glimpses into the country’s struggles and triumphs, from the throes of civil war to the challenges of the pandemic and the persistent political chaos. These historical and cultural elements are seamlessly interwoven with the poet’s personal journey, creating a narrative that is both intimate and expansive.
At its core, Unexpectedly is a meditation on resilience, transformation, and the enduring human spirit. The poet’s exploration of time, memory, and identity invites readers to reflect on their own experiences and perceptions. Wickramasinghe’s feminist lens adds depth and nuance to the collection, challenging conventional notions of gender and power while celebrating the strength and agency of women.
The collection’s release across India in mid-February marks a significant milestone, bringing Wickramasinghe’s evocative and thought-provoking poetry to a wider audience. Readers are invited to immerse themselves in a journey that is as much about self-discovery as it is about understanding the complexities of the world around us.
In conclusion, Maithree Wickramasinghe’s Unexpectedly stands as a testament to the transformative power of poetry. It challenges assumptions, provokes thought, and offers solace, all while capturing the beauty and turmoil of life in Sri Lanka and beyond. With its blend of personal and political themes, diverse poetic voices, and feminist perspectives, this collection is a must-read for anyone seeking to engage with the complexities of contemporary existence. As readers navigate the pages of Unexpectedly, they will find themselves moved, inspired, and ultimately transformed by the poet’s fearless and compassionate voice.
