The Crossings by Chaitali Sengupta: A Powerful Exploration of Migration and Identity
In a world plagued by conflicts and displacement, the poetry collection "The Crossings " by Chaitali Sengupta offers a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the experiences of migrants forced to leave their homelands in search of safety and security. Through a seamless blend of history, mythology, and present-day realities, Sengupta delves into the profound impact of conflicts on individual lives, highlighting the struggles, resilience, and search for identity that define the migrant experience.
"The Crossings " is a collection of poems that skilfully weaves together the mythical, historical, and contemporary aspects of migration. Sengupta effortlessly moves between references to ancient battles and recent events, reminding readers that the repercussions of conflicts on people's lives are timeless and universal. The poems serve as a clarion call against war, emphasizing the devastating consequences of violence and the urgent need for peace.
Throughout the collection, Sengupta captures the multifaceted nature of the upheavals caused by mindless wars and invasions. The poems depict the invaded, the native inhabitants of a land, as they grapple with the intrusion of outsiders and the destruction of their harmonious way of life. The imagery of inflated necks and inflated pride serves as a powerful metaphor for the arrogance and brutality of the invaders. The poems evoke a sense of anger, helplessness, and loss, as the invaded are left to pick up the pieces of their shattered existence.
One of the remarkable aspects of "The Crossings" is its focus on the long-lasting impact of conflicts on individuals and subsequent generations. Sengupta highlights the scars of war and displacement that persist throughout the lives of migrants, especially the children of war. The struggle to adapt to a new country, language, and customs is portrayed as an uphill battle, often accompanied by feelings of loneliness, fear, and trauma. The collection sheds light on the discrimination faced by migrants and the constant sense of being an outsider, even in their new homes.
In her conversations with migrants, Sengupta uncovers the deep sense of emptiness and nothingness that many carry within them. The experiences of the migrants, their ravaged homelands, and the sacrifices they have made are given a voice through the evocative poetry. The collection serves as a testament to their resilience and the need for their stories to be heard and understood.
"The Crossings" is a powerful and timely collection of poetry that delves into the complex and often overlooked experiences of migrants. Chaitali Sengupta's masterful blend of history, mythology, and contemporary realities creates a tapestry of emotions, shedding light on the profound impact of conflicts on individual lives. Through her evocative verses, Sengupta calls for empathy, understanding, and a collective effort to build a world free from the ravages of war.
Join Chaitali on Saturday, December 16, 2023, from 15:30 to 16:30 at the De Witte Dame in the Bibliotheek Eindhoven, as she celebrates International Migrants Day with a special book presentation of 'The Crossings.'
Chaitali Sengupta is an accomplished writer and translator, skilled in crafting fiction, poetry, and non-fiction. As a reviewer and journalist, she garnered recognition for her debut collection of prose poems, "Cross Stitched Words," which earned the 'Honorable Mention' award at the New England Book Festival in 2021. Her expertise in translation is evident in her notable work, "Timeless Tales in Translation," which received the special jury award at the Panorama International Literature Festival in 2023. With three translation books to her name, Chaitali has been a consistent contributor to both online and print media. Her second book, "The Crossings," delves into poems centred on themes of war, migration, and survival.