Reinvention

by Natasha Malpani Oswal

As the world around us transpose: shifts rapidly , Reinvention explores the darker side of growing up. Can we preserve our identity, while building a family? What sacrifices do we have to make for success? Can we have it all- and keep it?

Natasha wrote Reinvention after moving back to India after ten years. Natasha's first collection of poems, Boundless captured her search for her own identity, as she experimented with geographies, and built her career. With Reinvention, written after her return to India after a decade-long stint overseas she attempts to reconnect with her roots.

If Boundless was about finding your voice, then Reinvention is about making it heard. The sharpness and honesty of the poems will resonate with you long after you've read them. Especially, now, in a post-pandemic world, where change is the only constant.

120 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2021

About the author

Natasha Malpani Oswal is a big believer in the power of storytelling. She currently leads Boundless Media, a story-first creative house. She previously led Dice Media, a fast-growing media startup in Mumbai. She holds an MBA from Stanford, and Masters degrees from Oxford and Cambridge. Natasha loves building startups, and has worked on four startups between Silicon Valley, London and India. She previously worked in impact investing and cancer research.

Natasha has recently published her first poetry book: Boundless. Boundless is a powerfully honest and vulnerable collection of poems that encourage a young India to find its own voice and identity. Her poems describe her journey in experimentation and self-discovery over the past ten years: and captures her exploration of the idea of home, belonging and identity. She hopes to encourage every woman to take the time to discover themselves through her book.

Reviews

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you love a book, you love the book. And there’s nothing that would change my mind.

It happened with this poetry collection ♥️

I love poetry by Rupi Kaur and Amanda Lovelace, so this one hits perfectly for me.

The author talks about identity and how life changes when we shift home; how the pandemic has affected us.

The collection doesn’t take much time to read. I love how each poetry gets depicted with illustrations. It adds more charm and emotion to each poem.

[Khyati Gautam]

Reinvention by Natasha Malpani Oswal is a gorgeous book. I mean just look at the cover, man! It's so so beautiful. This is the author's second book after 'Boundless.'

Reinvention comprises the author's musings as she moved back to India after ten long years. The short pieces majorly revolve around her reconnecting to the roots while exploring the darker side of growing up. The musings are spread across the themes of loss, despair, love, grief to hope, faith, and perseverance.

Reinvention, in its lucid language, talks about nine crucial topics - freedom, driven, sparkle, princess, settle, restless, longing, ripe and ties. Did I mention that each musing is complimented with lovely illustrations that accentuate the overall appeal of the book?
Reinvention is for those who love to read random musings, which are not poetic but almost connect with you with their relatability.

[The Reviewera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five Stars

One of the best books I have read this month!
Highly recommend it! I only leave positive feedback and reviews when I love the book.
Feel free to ask anything regarding this book.
A must read for sure.
I'd recommend this book to everyone who would like to change something about the way they live and look at life.
The book covered lots of life-related situations in a very interesting way 
A must read for sure

[Nikita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazingly woven like an interesting spell. I didn't think this book was going to be this good. It was , as you might expect , engaging , a total different piece of art from every aspect.
It sets a very high bar for whatever she does that comes next.
Must Read

[Krutika · Rating 2 out of 5]

• r e v i e w •

Poetry is something that I rarely indulge in, but if I do, I almost always make sure to appreciate well written ones. Natasha's 'Reinvention' begins where her previous poetry collection 'Boundless' ends. While Boundless focussed on finding her identity as she moved abroad, Reinvention speaks of her return back to the motherland. While I haven't read the former, the author was kind enough to send me a copy of her second book of poems. But soon into the book, I realised how the title and its content didn't really go hand in hand. The poems have been divided into nine categories, the very first one being named Freedom. But when it comes to poems, I appreciate a certain amount of structure which was missing in Natasha's'Reinvention'.

You look
across
the table
-restless-
you know
they're adequate
(not enough)
love is more
than this.

Much of what the book has is simple writing and Natasha doesn't follow the rhyming method that is usually associated with poetry. While I have nothing against simplicity but consider it an effective tool in luring the readers, what baffled me was the usage of few punctuations like '-' and '+'. The book is paired with illustrations, which could have been better. To me, poetry has to carry a sense of emotional connection which unfortunately, was missing from this. Albeit I tried my best to enjoy what she has to offer, I couldn't get rid of the thought that this book felt more like a journal, in which Natasha pens down her thoughts in no set manner. This book had great potential but it didn't quite live up to my idea of good poetry.

Rating : 1.8/5.

[Solitude and books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natasha Malpani Oswal's latest book ' Reinvention' is full of beautiful poems that comes in this asthetic black hardbound.
It manages to explore a woman's journey of reinventing herself to remember her own worth. The themes touch different facets of life and nuances of emotions from loss, despair, love, grief to hope, faith, perservance.

The intense, passionate language used has a vibe that imparts strength and motivation to look inside of yourself and boost persistency to have a never give up attitude. This anthology of poems will be found relatable by woman of all age groups because they comprise of thoughts running in the mind of a woman trying to discover her lost self amidst this chaotic dynamic world. Many a times one's dreams fade away in the course of time trying to balance between work, family and your own desires. And we all know the pain that blooms inside.

These poems again deliver emotional packets to get bolder and beautiful as we get older which are presented with rough, intimate sketches through out it's nine chapters.

The abstract illustrations establish the mood and imagery of the poems, and are sometimes vital for the understanding of the message painted in the form of these poems.

More like brief verses, these modern styled poems are non-rthymic in nature Across its 89 pages, it has that raw energy that guides your soul to glow brighter.

Simple, beautiful and thoughtful.

[dunkdaft · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I get exhausted a bit after reading pages and pages full of prose, poetry comes as a rescue. Something that I have started to read every now and then, ofcourse in small portions. So here, when Natasha Malpani Oswal's new offering was out, I immediately gave nod to get my hands on it. As I have read her debut work, Boundless, last year. And continuing previous tradition, the second journey with her poems is equally immersive with a sense of liberation of women.

The first thing that strikes is the gorgeous cover. Bloomsbury has done a really impressive work continuing black theme. Equally beautiful illustrations are there inside, on each pages. Again, page quality is superior. Coming to the main part, the poetry. Powerful and at the same time, beautiful. This book tells her journey after she returned to India after ten years. And stage by stage, we are made witness to her experience : freedom, sparkle, settle, restless, longing and so on. Though my favourite part, is Princess. Where she shows mirror to those who think it is their right to make 'rules' for women. Calling them princess.

Another beautiful section is sparkle. Sample this :
'...but the allure,
comes at a price,
bloom is fragile,
only lasts,
a few days'.


Such words. It makes you feel the voice. A voice that wants to be heard. Voice that is voiced not by a single woman, but of all, for whom she is taking an effort. Effort to be boundless. To reinvent.

[Md Akhlaq · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhythmic and enthusiastic words encapsulated in a confluence of emotions. The poems are so relatable and striding at the same time. And Illustrations are my favourite in this book. Natasha's work is wistful and heartfelt. And yet, as simple as it can be. There were several moments where I could relate my life to her writing. reinvention is a collection of raw, candid conversations with oneself - where the author strives to explore with her roots. This is the second book by the author, boundless was her first book. The author says, If Boundless was about finding your voice, then Reinvention is about making it heard. If you are a poetry lover must pick this gorgeous book.

[Avani ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reinvention by Natasha Malpani Oswal is the second book by the author. The first being called 'Boundless'. The first book was a collection of poetry which she wrote when she was living overseas and this book is written by her when she came back to India after almost a decade.

𝐈 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞
𝐘𝐨𝐮
𝐅𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐲 + 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲
𝐔𝐬
𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝
𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐲
𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝

In this book she tries to explore and reconnect with her own roots. It's all about finding our own voice, and making is heard at the same time. The words in this book are very subtle and it will heal your muse very well. In many of these books we will find as if it's written just for us.

𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐥𝐞
𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 +
𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝
- 𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 -
- 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮
- 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞
- 𝐚 𝐯𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐬

I liked the illustrations in this book. They just bring more meaning and liveliness to the words. Some of them even made me feel stronger, more independent and proud of the woman I have become today. The black cover of the book is just gorgeous.

[Priyaranjan Mohan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every single poem was breath taking. I took my time reading this, choosing the savor the succulent, vivid, tactile words. Spanning over 89 pages. Each line is a feeling. Natasha Malpani Oswal is one of my favourite poets. She writes simple lines and paint beautiful pictures. The language of the book simple. The cover of the book is beautiful same like the poems. The book is divided into 9 chapters.

Freedom

Driven

Sparkle

Princess

Settle

Restless

Longings

Ripe 

Ties

All the poems are deceptively simple and absolutely beautiful. Read it in one sitting which I will definitely do again. Highly recommend. 

[bookswithsakshi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reinvention is a journey of being heard and rise above the normal. It's a collection of poems that directly speak to you in a way that is surreal and honest. I just loved the time I spent reading this book.

It is about the author's journey after shifting back to India and how she unveiled so many truths about life, family, love, ambitions, success and things that are related to life and work. It is about how sometimes your life can change with time in the most unexpected ways.

It is a short book and all the pieces are raw and uncut. I love reading honest thoughts over sugar-coated lines. This book did the exact magic on me. It is so raw and real that you will find yourself relating to it.

The writing style is highly appealing and convenient for readers to comprehend. The book is definitely not extraordinary but not terrible as well. It is great and you can read it in one go. For someone who has never read a poetry book, this book isn't for them. If you read poems regularly and you have a knack of understanding things in lesser words then the book is for you.

There are beautiful illustrations in this book with every piece of content. This made the book even more beautiful and my reading experience more satisfying. I love books with illustrations. They are just magical.

I highly recommend this book to everyone who is a poetry reader. You will relate to some of the pieces for sure, if not every. I hope that the book inspires you to find your voice and to voice your opinion firmly. I hope you decide to make yourself proud after reading this book. Go for it.

[Bookreadersclub · Rating 5 out of 5]

A set of poetry that enraptures your day. A set of words that vent out your unfettered emotions. The poetry collection, Reinvention by Natasha Malpani Oswal, is a truly remarkable expedition towards self-introspection and exploration.

The beauty of the book, lies in the simplicity. It allows readers to escape in the mystical world of ornamental illustrations. It propagates that poetry isn't just a handful of beautified words, instead, it's what the poet feels and pens down to be true to her own self.

A language that attracts the readers and poetic imagery that won't let them put the book down, are just a few peculiarities that need to be adored.

Another interesting and interactive part, is that the themes of the poetry, rather than being some metaphysical elements, are in fact based on the evolution of the poet as a professional; as a writer; as a human. This creates a superficial similarity and free flow of channelized energy that appears as a form of a poetic story narrative.

The book is clearly, apt to its title- Reinvention. This is because, while brushing against the twines of self-assessment and exploration, the reader himself figures out a new version of himself, waiting to be discovered.

It is a must read for everyone. In fact, it’s not just the embrace of the poetic brilliance of the poet, but also the feeling of clearing the slate off the preconceived ideas and starting afresh with yourself; that would drive the readers to read in between the lines and appreciate the masterpiece

[Honey & Anjali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before diving into the review let's just take a moment to appreciate the beautiful cover. It's so elegant and stunning.🥺

❝Silence
| heavy heat |
the sky moves slowly
a pause
and then
suddenly
breaks open
a new season
a new start
–welcome wetness–
washing away
the past❞
— Monsoon

I've decided to try and read more poetry this year since Anjali is always raving on about her favourite poems. I am still a beginner which is perhaps why I liked this book so much because of how simple and yet beautiful it is.

This book is the authors way to return to her roots and to make sense of life and finding her place in it.

Like I said, I haven't read much poetry but I'm trying to change it this year and Reinvention was the perfect collection of poems that I needed. They weren't made of complex verses but instead flew smoothly while managing to hit me in the feels.

The poems aren't just sentences structured together but are beautifully written words that have depth and are relatable on a deeper level. The little illustrations just added so much charm to the book.

If you're someone like me, trying to explore the genre or just simply love reading poems. I'd totally recommend this one to you.

[Hansa Kajaria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Natasha Malpani Oswal's 2nd Book and I have no other words but praise for this well written book on poems. The words will make you think, ponder up and at times even relate to your life. You will find yourself somewhere in the words.

Each poem speaks about varied emotions of a woman where she wants to be loved, speak up and also feel cared. The flow of words and emotions in each of them will make you fall in love with each poem.

The book has a set of 9 chapters. The poems under "Princess" speaks about how the world want the girl to squeeze into the image of being a perfect girl and the poem on page 44 is what i loved the most where women dare to speak and the "Ties" speaks about various roles a woman lives.

The illustrations used with each poem just add more charm to the words written.

You can read this book in one sitting and you will love every word of it.
Highly Recommend.

[Neelanjali । booksmakemewhole · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A few steps
everyday
keep moving
keep with the pace
you speed up.
you got this."

Reinvention is a collection of poems that are honest, raw and unapologetic. The poems are powerful and beautiful at the same time. They are soul touching as well as heart shattering. They highlight the ugly side of growing up via nine different parts called freedom, driven, sparkle, princess, settle, restless, longing, ripe and ties. My favorite part is ties as it talks about human relationships and how they change with time.

"Terrified
of being
normal
-so mundane-
I try to
show you
I'm special
-above the grain-"

Every poem is accompanied by a beautiful illustration that is the cherry on the cake. The author beautifully conveys her thoughts regarding love, family, ambition, sacrifices, desire and identity. This book is all about making your real voice heard. The poems stay with you long after you're finished with the book.

"I'll do it
my way
fall and get up
again
don't help me
look for
an easier path"

This book is a means of escape from the daily humdrum of our lives. It speaks directly to your soul. The words strike right on the target and leave you wanting for more. Each and every poem is a living breathing force of it's own. Go and grab your copies now, without any further ado! It is available on Amazon.

[Vidhya Thakkar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reinvention by @natashamalpanioswal published by @bloomsburyindia is a collection of beautiful poems that you are going to enjoy.
In this book, the author attempts to reconnect with her roots, after a decade long stay overseas. It has the poems from her personal diary which explores the darker side of love, family and ambition. Yes, the sacrifices we make, preserving our identity while building a family, the author express all her emotions beautifully.

Based on various themes like Freedom, Sparkle, longing, restless and many others, what the author shares here is reality. The thoughts we all have in our mind, the phase we all go through.

Each poem has its own depth, the poems that one could connect to. Not to forget the beautiful illustrations that you are going to love.

There are many poems from the book that I loved, but my favourite ones are Reconnect, Family, Mother, Sparkle, Trust.
.
Her words are inspiring and powerful that will make you think. Overall, it's a collection of amazing poems that you are going to enjoy.
.
Love reading poetry? Do not skip this book.
P.S not to forget the beautiful cover.

[Dipika Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poems are my newly found love and what a better book than Reinvention by Natasha Malpani Oswal. The book is light to read but leaves a deep impact on you. As a reader, I could connect to the poems instantly as the words are so relative for a woman who also happens to be a dreamer.
Flawless emotions flow in chapters with short poems.
My personal favorites are -
Longing and Ties.

This is a courageous and inspiring book, highly recommended.

[Shweta Rohira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reinvention is the second book of the author but the first one that I have read and I loved the short collection of poems in it quite a few of them resonate with us and the illustrations that support the them just make you want to go in deep thoughts after reading a nice quick read if you enjoy a book of poems

[Saba Irfan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is a treat for poetry lovers. From the right choice of words to the excellent poetic theme, everything is amazing of this book. Really nice poetries with a deep meaning. Loved the second book of Natasha Malpani Oswal

[Tanishk Panwar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the illustration more than the poetry. Like the last part ties...

[Gunjan Upadhyay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant collection of soulful poems by Natasha. The book has total 90 pages divided into 9 chapters talking about women and their struggles.
Very resonating thoughts and perfect illustration which would definitely make an impact. If you like to read meaningful poems, then definitely go ahead and read the book.

[Tiyasha Chaudhury · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not poetry.

[Ronak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poetry is something you can feel more than just reading
It not just a collection of words, it's a dopamine of the brain
Reinvention by Natasha Malpani Oswal is the second book by the author.

When it comes to poetry I am very selective.
But this short book gives you a
reason to live
Reason to understand freedom

Some of my favorite character,
Freedom
Sparkles
Restless

***
Here is one out of it
You get comfortable
With discomfort
Let go of your grip
Close your eyes
Jump off your cliff
The journey
Start when you cant hold
On or see what's next
***

I enjoyed reading a short dose of reality
If you love poems then do check out

[Apurba Ganguly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Instagram poetry has become a huge sensation since 2014 or so.

A few

lines of

poetry written

in this manner

has become

more than just a

trend.

Instagram poetry, most importantly, has given a new meaning to the idea of slam poetry — a poem to be performed by an individual in front of an attentive audience. Yes, an audience, willing to hear you out and appreciate your poetry in their own way. It is the collective presence to listen to an individual's recitation as well as the appreciation by the same audience that has made slam poetry such an important form of art today. Slam poetry is capable of swaying the audience with light words and phrases that question the New World Order, or ideas that can transform the world in a few minutes. Such is the power of poetry, to react and question what we perceive around us, every single day.

Another thing that Instagram poetry gave to the world is the aesthetics of pen sketches, or sketches made with a single pen stroke. Visuals have their own power to influence our minds with something "relatable", catchword for Millennials and the Gen Z too.

Reinvention by Natasha Malpani Oswal is an anthology of poems and pen sketches, each of which will inspire you, move you, and shake you to the core. As far as the theme is concerned it is very subjective and therefore emotional. The themes of this anthology include life, family, friendship, love, universality, philosophy, faith, loss, hope, and the list goes on. The verse is in the atypical pseudo-free verse style ever since Instagram poetry popularised the same via innumerable hashtags, minimalist creatives, and pen sketches of chaotic scribblings or drooping sunflowers. No, I may sound sarcastic while talking about Instagram poetry, I can't help but acknowledge the fact that it has indeed brought in a greater number of literary enthusiasts who are exploring various poems in their own way, one verse at a time. Instagram poetry indeed deserves this credit for renewing the love for poetry among people today.

In short, Reinvention is a wonderful attempt at capturing life in brief, detached verses which convey emotions, but at the cost of rhythm. The only shortcoming of this anthology is the lack of rhythm throughout the collection. Yet, I loved the candour and simplicity with which each of the poems have been composed in this anthology. I convey my best wishes to the poet for her future endeavours. I thank the publisher, Bloomsbury India, for this review opportunity.

[Likhitha Baggu · Rating 5 out of 5]

One can judge this book by it’s cover!!! The aesthetic black hardbound is gorgeous and eye catching just like the poems in it.

Reinvention by @natashamalpanioswal is a collection of beautiful poems. She wrote her first book “Boundless” when she was living overseas and this book is written by her after moving back to India after a decade.

While novels and short stories use plethora of words to paint the picture in the reader’s mind, a poet has the ability to create that magic by few words. With the subtlest of words, Natasha have drawn out the most intense of emotions from the deepest reaches of one’s heart. She approaches us vividly presenting some catching illustrations which add more liveliness to the poems and draw the reader’s attention.

The magic of this book “Reinvention” lies in the varied themes that it explores. These Poems drip with emotion and one can relate to them at some point or the other in their lives. The author has a very distinct style of writing. The words she use are direct and simple, yet impactful.
Honestly, I loved all the poems in this book, but my favourite ones are Reconnect, Freedom, Sparkle and Trust.

If you’re someone who loves reading poetry or a beginner trying to explore this genre, then ‘Reinvention’ is for you!

[Mahesh Sheshadri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring!

Simplicity. Deep. Profound. Reflection of life!