Accretion

by Irfan Ali

An extraordinary debut set in Toronto, unfurling against the backdrop of an ancient Persian love story.

The story of Layla and Majnun, made immortal by the Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi in the 12th century, has been retold thousands of times, in thousands of different ways, throughout literature. Against the backdrop of this story, to the sound-track of modern hip-hop, and amid the struggle of an immigrant family to instill an old faith under new conditions, Irfan Ali's Accretion hurtles towards an unsustainable, "greater madness." Majnun, one of the foundational literary characters who haunt Accretion, is also an Arabic epithet for "possessed." In this tradition, Ali has written a book from the places where the self is no longer the self; places where, in order not to shut down forever, the debris must be cleared, and the soul must inch towards love and hope, "on memory's dusty beams."

Accretion is written in a contemporary lyricism that honours ancient poetic traditions. It is a familiar story, imbued with a particularity and honesty that only Irfan Ali could bring to the table.

Genres: Poetry

72 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2020

About the author

Irfan Ali is a poet, essayist, writer, and educator. His short poetry collection, Who I Think About When I Think About You was shortlisted for the 2015 Bronwen Wallace Award for Emerging Writers. Accretion is his first full-length work. Irfan was born, raised, and still lives in Toronto.

Reviews

[Shagufta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This verse-novel is stunning, and some of the poems/lines of the poems had me reading them over and over again, marvelling at how beautiful and fiercely truthful they are. Highly recommend.

[hiaa123 · Rating 4 out of 5]

"This is it then,
my farewell salaah,
my final prayer.

If You're there then,
prove Yourself different
from the old deities
known first for their flaws.
Dam up this dusty river, divert
me from this course where
I meet Your angels for judgement
and decline the infirmary's mercy."

Ali's Accretion is poetry that speaks to Muslim immigrants caught between the traditions and religion of our heritage and assimilation into our new individualistic world. A modern story located in Toronto but set to the background of the ancient love story of Layla and Majnun. It feels like Ali is confessing his personal struggles with leaving and coming back to Allah. I'm not there yet, but I was stunned by his poetry.

"I see
family
fraternity
all creation
love
God

Too powerful for a self to overcome."

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Accretion is a fascinating collection of poetry, offering a modern take on the story of Layla and Majnun in Toronto. I wish I was more familiar with the source material, but still enjoyed this very much. Ali's skill as a poet shines through the story he tells. It's a quick read and well worth the short time it takes. Recommended!

[Aingeal Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't read much poetry so I am making a conscious effort to try some. This small book of poetry was spiritual and humanist at the same time. I could hear the authors struggle with depression, love, and family throughout. I will be sharing this with others.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powerful and beautifully written.

[Kin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5. Some of my favourite things are Toronto, retellings, brown people, and hip-hop: of course I’d like this.

[Tan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poems inspired by the tale of Leyla and Manjun. #readharderchallenge 5