Sascha Aurora Akhtar’s poems revel in the richness and possibilities of language and liminal space. Colours, tastes, textures, scents and moods are smashed together with great energy, dragging the reader into a shimmering world of magic, heat… and whimsy.
Exploring the interplay between language and identity, the collection delves into Sufi philosophy's concept of the Divine's 99 names, with the elusive 100th name symbolizing incompleteness. Each poem is meticulously crafted, reflecting unique shapes and presences on their respective pages. Inspired by a walk through Kew Gardens, the title poses a philosophical challenge regarding the loss of native identities through renaming. The work encompasses a vast array of themes, including journeys to other worlds, emotional depth, and surreal imagery, creating a transcendent poetic experience.
Exploring themes of mythology and the mystical, this debut poetry collection offers a post-modern Gothic experience. The author skillfully intertwines archaic language with modern slang and wordplay, crafting a unique linguistic style. With a focus on meaning-making and the magical, the poems serve as a grimoire, inviting readers into a world where the old and the new coexist in a rich tapestry of expression.
Of Necessity & Wanting is a collection of lyrical, atmospheric stories of varying lengths set in urban Pakistan. At its forefront are the concerns of people who are lower down on the metaphorical 'chain' of status and power, especially in the context of their symbiotic relationship with those they see as 'other,' ' privileged' or 'fair.'