Icelight

by Ranjit Hoskote

Set in an age of ecological catastrophe, Icelight eloquently accepts transience yet asserts the robustness of hope

Icelight , Ranjit Hoskote's eighth collection of poems, enacts the experience of standing at the edge―of a life, a landscape, a world assuming new contours or going up in flames. Yet, the protagonists of these poems also stand at the edge of epiphany. In the title poem, we meet the Neolithic cave-dweller who, dazzled by a shapeshifting nature, crafts the first icon. The 'I' of these poems is not a sovereign 'I'. A questing, questioning voice, it locates itself in the web of life, in relation to the cosmos. In 'Tacet', the speaker "What if I had/ no skin/ Of what/ am I the barometer?" Long committed to the Japanese mono no aware aesthetic, Hoskote embraces talismans, premonitions, active residues from the previous lives of people and places. Icelight is a book about transitions and departures, eloquent in its acceptance of transience in the face of mortality.

Aubade

Rumours of wind, banners of cloud.
The low earth shakes but the storm
has not arrived. You pack

for the journey, look up, look through
the doors at trees shedding their leaves
too soon, a track on which silk shoes
would be wasted, a moon

still dangling above a boat.
Wearing your salt mask, you face
the mulberry shadows.
The valley into which
you're rappelling

is you.

Genres: Poetry

120 pages, Paperback

Published March 7, 2023

Reviews

[Mugdha Mahajan · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Icelight" by Ranjit Hoskote is a collection of poetry which took me on an extraordinary journey of self-reflection, where the themes of death, mortality, and rebirth intertwined to create a tapestry of profound beauty.

At first glance, the simplicity of the language and structure might lead one to underestimate the depth within. However, as I immersed myself in the verses, I discovered the hidden layers that Hoskote skillfully wove into each poem. His ability to balance the contemplation of life's uncertainties with a gentle acceptance struck a chord with me, reminding me of the fragility and transient nature of our existence.

"Icelight" is not just a book of poetry; it is a sensory experience that ignites the imagination and challenges preconceived notions. For those embarking on their poetic journey, this collection is a captivating starting point. Ranjit Hoskote's artistry shines through his ability to infuse nuance and elegance into profound questions, making "Icelight" an enchanting and rewarding read for beginners and poetry enthusiasts alike.

[Aditi Tambe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ice-light is a collection that reflects Ranjit Hoskote’s mastery of blending the personal with the universal, capturing the fragility and beauty of life through his evocative imagery and philosophical depth. The title itself suggests a delicate balance—where the coldness of ice meets the clarity of light, and the poems unfold in a similar tension between opposites: loss and love, clarity and ambiguity, permanence and transience. Hoskote invites readers into a world where these contradictions are not resolved, but explored, offering no easy answers, only reflections on the complexities of human experience.

The collection’s engagement with myth, history, and contemporary concerns enhances its emotional resonance, creating a space where personal introspection meets larger cultural and philosophical questions. Yet, for all its intellectual depth, Ice-light is never distant; the emotional core of the poems is deeply felt, exploring themes of grief, identity, and the passage of time with quiet intensity. It is a book that rewards slow, thoughtful reading, revealing new layers with each encounter.

Ultimately, Ice-light speaks to the fragility of life and the fleeting nature of moments, encouraging readers to find beauty in the impermanence of things. It is a poignant, meditative work that lingers long after the last page, offering both an intellectual and emotional journey into the heart of human existence.

[Harsh Tyagi · Rating 4 out of 5]

All gods travel
some ride camels
others ride catastrophes


The book cover is brilliant and appealing, with little snowflake impressions on it, making it absolutely instantly attractive.

The book is divided into six sections, each consisting of 12 poems. The poetry is based on war and ecocide, on birth, death and mortality, several poems dedicated to specific people, some hopeful, some demanding. This is a book about transitions and departures eloquent in its acceptance of transcience in the face of mortality. A melancholical vibe is omnipresent in every word and the vocabulary used is profound. In other words, the book is not easy to read, not only  because of the choice of eccentric words, but also because of the deep, intriguing, introspective meanings. Thanks to a few notes shared at the end of the book that made few of the poems understandable. It's a different and difficult book of poetry that is complex, rather written for one's own pleasure.

Icelight is the eighth collection of poetry by the poet Ranjit Hoskote, and my first read from the author. The two poems I loved the most are 'Lesson' that is about partition and 'Anthem' while several others made me think a lot about them as well. A short read of less than one-hundred pages out of which few poems leave a lasting impression and others are slightly strenuous to comprehend.

[Mili Das · Rating 5 out of 5]

Icelight
Author - Ranjit Hoskote
Genre - Poems

Poems that immediately transported me into a mystical realm, I love them. Every now and then when you crave escape, poems can give you that offer to cross the bridge and let yourself be lost in the mist.


First part of this poem collection is kinda blunt and filled with unexplained emotional adventure.
Then slowly it churns emotions from history and is filled with tantalizing and eerie feelings. These poems smell vintage and they have uncomfortable open endings. I don't mind the open ending, it gives me scope to spread my imagination. Maybe this is the reason I started enjoying reading these poems.

I personally loved the poem Eclipse.
Emotions raining from past and present and drawing me compelled me to read this.
His poems winding heart, touching recklessly, and then left me alone in a mysterious world.
His thoughts are like jumping between worlds which makes everything blurred and abstract.

His poems like frozen emotions, memories are circulated in orbit of time with sprinkles of mystery. I enjoyed this collection.

[Shally · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book of poetry is a blessing for me. And so is this one with a collection of 12 poems in each of the 6 sections. This is the 8th collection of poetry by the poet. All the poems deal with the themes of war, birth and death, mortality, and some other topics.

I enjoyed reading them quite a lot because they share the shear truth of life. Not everyone is able to bless the world with such beautiful words.

The book has a different vibe and addresses a new way of thought altogether. The cover of the book is also a beautiful message for the readers.

I am saving this poetry collection forever.

[Jose Gonzalez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't like this poetry collection I've been told when you write a story you have to give the characters a girl something to strive for so there is conflict. Well, when you write poetry you have to give it some emotion so I can feel something. In other words the poems here pack no punch. I read the poems and I went back and couldn't figure out and most importantly felt nothing. I wanted to give this 2.5 stars but I rounded up.

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relatively few poets can transport you to time/place as metaphysical guide; giving you their experiential guidence to a place/time you will never encounter. Ranjit Hoskote is such a poet; his reflective poems are sharp and clear, personal and relatable, haunting and inspired. One of the best poetry books I have read this year.

[Vivek Sethu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh! It was a letdown. Perhaps my expectations were high. I have enjoyed Hoskote’s earlier books. But this one is far too labored. The effort shows. And in poetry, it has a devastating effect. Though in parts it is good, on the whole, it is quite insipid.

[Djongo Bello · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some absolutely gorgeous pieces in here, unified by emotion and purpose.

I sang sang the wind ✨

[Nikhil Kamath · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I'm not big on poems, something about this book drew me towards it. The poems in this book talk about various things and cover themes like environment, self-discovery, time, history etc.

Reading the poetry is almost like a meditative experience and it is brilliant how in each poem, the poet has painted a new picture that you can visualise while you read.✨✨

I did find a few poems a bit complex to understand, but this collection is something I will keep coming back to!😍😍