If you’ve ever had your heart cracked open (gently or otherwise), *Revival* is going to hit you right in the feels. This poetry collection isn’t just pretty words—it's a full-on emotional experience. Think love, loss, growth, and healing all bundled into pages that feel like late-night thoughts and early morning clarity.
Shreya Prabhakar’s writing is raw but soft, like truth wrapped in silk. Every poem reads like a conversation you didn’t know you needed to have—with yourself. There’s something super personal about it, but at the same time, it feels like she somehow peeked into your life too.
My personal faves? ‘who would I be’ and ‘let it go’ —two poems that straight-up stopped me in my tracks. The first made me question everything I’ve ever tied my identity to, and the second? A gentle nudge to finally release all the stuff I’ve been holding on to for way too long. Ugh. Gorgeous.
The best part? It doesn’t try too hard to be “deep”—it just is. The vulnerability is effortless, and the healing is subtle but powerful. Whether you're in the middle of a breakup, a glow-up, or just figuring life out, *Revival* will speak to you.
This book isn’t just a poetry collection—it’s an emotional journey that takes you through the highs and lows of life. With its beautiful exploration of love, loss, introspection, and healing, it’s the kind of book you’ll read slowly, letting the words sink in.
The Love section in this book really struck a chord with me. Poems like "What's Love?" and "My Favorite Human" feel so real—like the author's writing directly from her heart. She doesn’t just write about romantic love, but the deeper, quieter kinds of love we sometimes forget about, like the love we have for ourselves and the people around us. It’s simple, but in the best way possible, and it makes you think about your own relationships in such a beautiful, soft way.
When I hit the Loss section, I’ll admit, it kind of knocked the wind out of me. Poems like "Loved and Lost" and "The Price You Pay" are gut-punches, but in the most honest and cathartic way. It’s like Shreya gave me permission to feel that weight and grief, while also reminding me that even in loss, there’s room for growth and moving forward. The way she talks about grief makes it feel less like something to avoid and more like something to understand and work through.
But what really hit me hard was the Introspection section. Poems like "Who Would I Be?" and "Never Settle For Less" made me stop and think about myself in a way I didn’t expect. I didn’t just read these poems—I felt them. The way Shreya invites you to look inward, to question who you are and who you want to be, is something I didn’t know I needed. It’s the kind of poetry that doesn’t just speak to you, it speaks for you.
Then there’s the Healing section. I found myself going back to poems like "Let It Go" and "Be Kind" when I needed a little reminder to breathe and move forward. These poems don’t rush you through the healing process; instead, they give you space to just be. They’re gentle, comforting, and feel like the kind of advice a friend would give you when you’re at your lowest. It’s subtle but powerful healing, and I loved that.
The Bonus Section was a fun surprise. After all the deep reflection, poems like "Bun Intended: An Ode to Burgers" brought some lightness back into the mix. It was playful, quirky, and honestly made me smile.
Overall, this is one of those books that sticks with you. It’s not just a collection of poems—it’s like Shreya Prabhakar has tapped into something inside all of us and put it into words. Whether you’re dealing with loss, finding your way through self-discovery, or looking for a little hope, this collection feels like a safe place to explore all those emotions. I can’t recommend it enough.
This is a poignant exploration of the human experience, encapsulating themes of love, loss, introspection, and healing. Drawing upon her personal journey through emotional struggles, particularly during the COVID lockdown, she uses poetry as a means of self-discovery and expression. Her work is deeply reflective, revealing a candid vulnerability that resonates with readers.
One of the standout poems is "The Price You Pay," which delves into the sacrifices made for love and the often hidden burdens that accompany emotional attachments. It evokes a sense of shared understanding about the complexity of relationships and the hidden costs tied to affection and loyalty. This piece captures the essence of her ability to articulate the nuances of love and the emotional toll it can take on individuals.
In Another remarkable poem the poet juxtaposes dreams and reality, touching on the bittersweet nature of aspirations and the weight of unfulfilled desires. This poem strikes a chord with anyone who has grappled with the distance between their aspirations and the reality they face. The imagery she employs transports readers into the delicate balance of hope and disillusionment.
"Dear Heart" is yet another powerful piece, serving as a letter of compassion to oneself, acknowledging past pains while fostering a sense of healing and acceptance. This poem illustrates her journey toward self-love, urging readers to be kind to their hearts as they navigate through life's challenges. It embodies the healing aspect of her collection, making it relatable and uplifting.
She retains an authentic voice, using poetry not just as a literary form but as a therapeutic tool. Her incorporation of personal anecdotes and reflective musing invites readers to connect deeply with her experiences. The poems are concise yet evocative, ensuring that the emotions conveyed are felt viscerally.
This book represents a revival of the self through words. With each poem, she weaves a tapestry of significant life experiences that resonate universally, reminding us of our shared humanity in love, loss, and healing. Highly recommended.