Without Darkness

by Pavana Reddy

From the author of Rangoli comes Without Darkness, a collection that weaves personal grief and desire within a larger landscape of myth and inheritance. Pavana Reddy draws on the fleeting image of the luna moth and the figures of Kali, Lilith, and Nyx to examine how memory, silence, and survival are entangled.

Paperback

First published October 31, 2025

Reviews

[Adrienne tremain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve just finished and wanted to share my review while the feelings are fresh inside me. I had to put down the book several times because the words evoked so much feeling in me that I both needed a pause to process and so I could come back each time ready to fully immerse myself in the poetry again. My body felt this book, on my skin, in my bones. And on 141 the tears came out. Beautiful tears. Pavana Reddy’s words are to be felt, so prepare yourself for that. I read each poem out loud to myself. I’m so looking forward to reading again all over again. Stunning book ✨

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without Darkness found a way to unravel so many emotions that I didn’t even realize I had deep inside me. The artwork is beautiful. The way each poem flows in every chapter, telling a story is outstanding. I adored the goddess metaphors and found myself crying at how lovely it incorporates the moth’s cycle. I’ve read all of her books, and this one was my absolute favorite.

[Jessie Fay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Speechless and spellbound. In my opinion this is Pavana Reddy’s best work yet.
This took me a little while to read because I kept going back and reading poems over and over again. By the time I finished the book I must have read each poem at least three or four times. Reddy’s work is so profound that when I re-read it I internalize and understand more layers to her writing.
Each section, I thought, this must be my favorite; and then the next section would move me in a different but equally powerful way. Pavana has the unique talent of writing impactful poetry very concisely. Her work packs a punch. I think everyone can find something to connect with in this book. Part of what struck me so deeply was how connected and seen I felt reading this book. I will treasure it forever and highly recommend.

Thank you so much to the author for the ARC. ❤️ I am honored!

[Priyanka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pavana definitely has a way with words. The way she draws profound meanings from the mundane things we often ignore in life is simply extraordinary. She is blessed with the art of making poetry out of anything — be it her mother choosing a dress, her quietly sipping coffee while waiting for her cat to settle in her lap, or spotting a luna moth.

This book is a journey back to herself — one that completes her in every sense. For the readers, I’d say this book will keep you hooked from start to finish. It’s a masterpiece by Pavana, through which she heals the world while healing herself.

Sit with a pencil, dear reader; you’ll often find yourself wanting to jot down your own emotions in its pages. Get yourself together — and start again.

[Casimiro Alvarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pavana is one of my favorite poets. Every line she writes is so heavy with emotion and deep meaning that becomes more and more intricate with each read. I love that with her writing you can pace yourself peacefully and feel power in thoughtfully consuming. Somehow her words feel like speaking to a close friend and someone newly discovered to you all at the same time. Familiar words making new meanings and unique perspectives on the world, emotion, and life in this world. So happy she's put out new work for us all to enjoy and think deeply on, so needed at this time. Definitely a collection you can read over and over again with something new revealed to you every time you reread.

[Martha Lluch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been following Pavana’s work since the pandemic and her words always resonate at a soul level.
I was already in love with this book just by following the process she was sharing.

The poems in Without Darkness are deep, filled with a mix of the grief, longing, wonder and awe that come with the process of healing and becoming.
Her words capture feelings and emotions I didn’t have a name for. They are a perfect portrait of what it feels to remember who you truly are.
Without Darkness is the perfect companion for those journeying back home.

[Sura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without Darkness is a luminous collection that left me breathless. Pavana Reddy has always had a gift for weaving pain, healing, and hope into language that feels both intimate and universal, but this book might be her most powerful yet.

Each poem in this collection holds space for grief, resilience, and transformation. The words are gentle yet unflinching, carrying the weight of lived experience while offering light to anyone who has walked through their own shadows

[Margaret Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps my favorite book Pavana has written and I adore all her books. The flow of the book made me feel healed by the end. If you are my friend and going through a tough time, do not be surprised if I give this book to you.