The Synesthete's Rainbow: Poetry in the Colors of Love

by Nisha Srinivasa

For fans of Rupi Kaur and Caroline Kaufman, a debut poetic novella that takes the reader on a complex, tumultuous, and ultimately healing journey of love, told through the colorful lens of a synesthete.

The Synesthete’s Rainbow is a captivating poetry novella that paints the story of a toxic situationship through the vibrant lens of synesthesia. It intertwines sensory crossover and emotional depth as the protagonist, the Synesthete, names the colors of her love—all of which fall within a symbolic rainbow that defies nature. As the Synesthete journeys across this messy, fragmented, chaotic, and heart-wrenching rainbow, she confronts both the antagonist and herself in her plight of unrequited longing, and ultimately arrives at a burgeoning sense of self.

Perfect for readers drawn to short, metaphor-rich poetry and evocative tales of transformation, The Synesthete’s Rainbow illuminates the intricacies of human connection and the beauty of finding oneself on the other side of emotional storms.

168 pages, Paperback

Published April 28, 2026

Reviews

[Téa Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I hadn’t read poetry in over ten years and reading this collection was like coming home. This collection is so beautifully crafted. I read the entire thing in one sitting (admittedly staying up way past my bedtime!)
The mixture of colors and feelings in a way that depicts a relationship in its entirety, good and bad, felt so unique to me. I really loved this book and can’t wait to read it again & again! 💕

[Yaya Starchild · Rating 5 out of 5]

This poetry collection is as beautiful and multifaceted as the author itself. Heartfelt, vulnerable, and rich with metaphor, "The Synesthete's Rainbow" is a unique telling of heartbreak and revival. I really enjoyed the way this collection meets the reader where they're at. The poems are easily understood and impactful on the surface, but offer more depth when reread and digested. This is a short, colorful read.

As someone very interested in synesthesia, it was an extra fun treat to discover which colors dominate Srinivasa's emotions and how those themes and threads connect the colors throughout the book. Each poem is one page and each title is a color (props to Nisha for all the new colors I learned reading this,) but a few of the colors are referenced multiple times, though the tone around them changes throughout the book. I think it's a fabulous way to show the duality of emotion; the way two things can be true at once. This book made me tear up, gave me chills, and truly made my heart ache. This one is for the lover girls.

One of my favorite poems was Lilac, which happens to be my favorite color. But I enjoyed so many of them (Silver, pink (cheeks) black and white (messages). I can't wait to see what's next for this author.

[Cavak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brief and simple worded poetry that can be read in one sitting. This time around, the rating is more for the vibes. Love, infatuation, heartbreak, and healing are commonplace topics to write about; it doesn't mean that it's been overdone or any less significant. This collection arrived at a right time for me.

Srinivasa played upon stereotypes and colors in a way that tickled my brain. Although I'd have wanted a bit more wordplay and less abstractions, I liked the speaker's concise voice. I'd recommend this book to someone who is a beginner to poetry, especially the ones who haven't touched the art form since high school.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tanya Zuñiga · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started following the author on Social Media after watching a video of her reading one of her poems. I was immediately drawn to her vibes and to her writing, so imagine my excitement when she offered an ARC copy!

I got through the whole book in a single sitting. The first few poems will have you feeling like you’re floating in the clouds, and smiling from ear to ear, but don’t let that fool you because by page 50 you’ll probably cry… a type of crying you needed anyway, trust me.

There’s nothing I could say in this review to do justice to how these poems moved me, but I can tell you this is a book I’ll read more than once.

[Michael Valentino · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Synesthete’s Rainbow is an emotional and beautifully written poetry collection about love, heartbreak, and finding yourself again. The color‑based structure is creative and really pulls you through the different stages of a relationship, from infatuation to loss to healing. The language feels honest and relatable, especially if you’ve ever loved too hard or lost yourself trying to be loved. A thoughtful, moving read that lingers.

[Talia Samara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nisha takes readers on a vivid emotional journey from falling in love to heartbreak to healing. Her use of colors and poetry evoked such deep emotions within me, and to say I’m changed would be an understatement. Even if poetry isn’t normally your thing, I urge you to pick up this book of poems. I promise you will not regret it!

[Heather M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this so much that I read it all in one sitting which wasn’t the plan but I just had to read the best and the next. Memories flooded back to situationships of my own past and oof I felt the emotions start to peak too! Awesome read! Awesome author! Love love love!

[Regine Boutin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to digest it slowly because the intensity of this love took me back to familiar places. The writing is beautifully descriptive such that you can envision every scene.

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

"Your laugh is
my favorite color."

[izzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

read in preparation for my book club’s release week event with the author tomorrow! 🌈❤️

[Sophie Whittemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhythmic. Sweet. Heartbreak and healing. And a kaleidoscope of colors throughout. This book of poetry is an absolute treat to experience, sincerely!