Taslima Nasrin’s Poetic Journey: ‘Burning Roses In My Garden’

Renowned author Taslima Nasrin is set to release a comprehensive collection of her poems, skillfully translated from Bangla to English by Jesse Waters. Penguin Random House India recently made this announcement, creating anticipation among literary enthusiasts.

The forthcoming book, titled “Burning Roses in My Garden,” offers readers a poignant glimpse into Nasrin’s emotions, including her experiences of solitude, sorrow, and moments of exaltation.

In a statement, Nasrin revealed, “These poems are not just emblems of my own sadness, happiness, despair, and love – they are my songs of freedom finding harmony with echoed voices from millions of women across the world, women chained and desperate. Yet these poems are also full of love, and love’s closest sister: Hope.”

Taslima Nasrin, a 61-year-old Bangladeshi author residing in India due to exile, has faced numerous challenges throughout her career. Her work, such as “Lajja,” resulted in her banishment from her home country and triggered multiple fatwas from extremist groups. Nasrin has been writing poetry since as early as 1982.

Jesse Waters, the translator of this collection, expressed his pride and honor in contributing to the editing and translation of poems penned by one of the world’s most influential humanitarian voices. He believes that Nasrin’s work has the potential to bring about positive change in a world often lacking understanding, empathy, awareness, and social justice.

The poems in “Burning Roses in My Garden” primarily adopt the free verse form and offer a window into the life experiences of one woman, which resonate with countless generations of women worldwide.

Chirag Thakkar, the commissioning editor at Penguin Random House, emphasized the significance of Nasrin’s poetry, urging readers to immerse themselves in her verses, as they possess the power to transform lives.

Re-reported from the article published in Republic TV