Pluma Migrant Writers Guild in Kuwait’s first collection of epistolary poems reflects on traditional and modern correspondence, while serving as a timeline in the advancement of communications technology. No Return Address transcends the migrant’s ever shifting worldviews, taking a peek at the sheer relativity of distance and constant reconciliation with time and space. The chapbook contains poems by Nabeel Philip Mohan, GAP Gutierrez, Mujel Hasan, Alliah "Lenzkie" Tabaya, Wilfred Waters, Tammy Sulit, and Armineonila M.
A brilliant book by Pluma (Migrant Writers in Kuwait), this chapbook is a recommended reading to people who are interested in migration and cross-cultural literature. The book contains letters addressed to individuals whose lives as migrants in the Gulf regions confine them in a sphere distances apart from the other residents of a foreign land. It also illustrates a dramatic unfolding of communication platforms throughout the ages.
In fairness, my only issue with the book is its unconventional book design. It might be modernist or something. But the poems are quite interesting, written in epistolary style, showing the changing practice in letter writing through different eras. It's good for those studying literature because of its conceptual style.
Conceptual poetry for a cause-- all in but one little "big" book. I'm glad this was a required reading. The poems are down to earth and celebrate letter-writing, e.g. text, email or snail mail. No Return Address is an enjoyable read with lots to unpack.
Even though I like Meridians better, this collection has its own charisma, being a conceptual book. It is not for everyone, but definitely worth reading if you're studying or interested in migration literature. Give it a go.