The Set Up and Other Poems by Kamaljit Kaur (Book Review #1950)

*The Set Up and Other Poems* by Kamaljit Kaur is a deeply personal and evocative collection that invites readers into the author’s life journey. Growing up in Britain within the confines of a self-absorbed family steeped in the expectations and cultural experiences of Indian life, Kaur faces profound loneliness and despair following the death of her mother and the subsequent abandonment by her family. This raw and heart-wrenching experience sets her on a difficult path, one marked by scarcity and struggle.

Kaur’s poetry captures the emotional landscape of a young teenager navigating a world of pain and alienation, yet the narrative is not solely about suffering. Through her words, we witness a journey of resilience and self-discovery. The author masterfully redefines herself, making sense of both the good and bad of her past, and finds strength in her spiritual awakening. Her connection to divine intervention becomes a powerful force that guides her from brokenness to truth.

The collection is also enriched by Kaur’s experiences and travels to India, the land of her ancestors. These travels link her personal story to broader themes, such as breaking free from the chains of the past, challenging ancestral beliefs, and confronting superstitions and religious traditions. Kaur explores diversity, identity, and the quest to find one’s voice, weaving these themes together through the art of poetry.

*The Set Up and Other Poems* is a testament to the power of poetry as a medium for healing and transformation. Kamaljit Kaur’s ability to convey her spiritual journey and her exploration of complex cultural and personal themes makes this collection both a poignant and inspiring read. Readers will find themselves moved by her story and the lyrical beauty with which she shares it.

Written by Jeyran Main

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