Boiled Owls

Boiled Owls by Azad Ashim Sharma explores the strain of cocaine addiction on the speaker's interior, family, and those in close proximity, resisting common and fanciful depictions and turning its camera onto the spaces addiction arises from and the turmoil it can bring.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 18 April 2024
Publisher: Out-Spoken Press

Azad Ashim Sharma's "Boiled Owls" is a profound exploration of the impact of cocaine addiction on the speaker's inner world, their family, and those close to them. Through frenetic language that straddles the line between impulse and philosophy, the collection resists common and fanciful depictions, instead focusing on the spaces where addiction arises and the turmoil it can bring. Sharma's project is not interested in stylizing its subject or presenting it through the lens of pity. Instead, it is a collection of poetry that moves between the center stage and the fringes of addiction, never failing to acknowledge the connection between mania and the path to sobriety.

The poem "Boiled Owls" opens with a vivid description of the speaker's experience with cocaine, as they describe the rush of euphoria and the subsequent crash that leaves them feeling empty and hollow. The poem then delves into the psychological effects of addiction, as the speaker struggles with the desire to use and the fear of the consequences. Sharma's language is raw and honest, capturing the desperation and despair that can accompany addiction.

One of the key themes of "Boiled Owls" is the impact of addiction on family and loved ones. The speaker's relationship with their family is strained, as they struggle to maintain their relationships while also dealing with the demands of addiction. Sharma's poetry captures the pain and confusion that can arise when someone close to you is struggling with addiction, and the difficulty of trying to help them without enabling their behavior.

Another theme of the collection is the struggle to find meaning and purpose in life. The speaker's addiction has left them feeling lost and disconnected, and they search for ways to find meaning and purpose in their life. Sharma's poetry explores the various ways that people try to cope with addiction, including through religion, therapy, and self-help books.

However, the collection also highlights the dangers of addiction. Sharma's poetry vividly depicts the physical and psychological effects of addiction, including the damage to the body, the loss of relationships, and the risk of overdose. The speaker's struggle to overcome addiction is a difficult and painful one, and Sharma's poetry captures the raw emotion and desperation of this journey.

One of the strengths of "Boiled Owls" is Sharma's ability to create vivid and memorable images. The poem "Boiled Owls" is filled with vivid descriptions of the speaker's experiences with addiction, as well as the various settings and characters that they encounter. Sharma's use of imagery is powerful and evocative, and it helps to bring the poem to life.

Another strength of the collection is Sharma's ability to write in a variety of styles. The poem "Boiled Owls" is written in a free-verse style, which allows Sharma to express their thoughts and emotions in a raw and honest way. However, Sharma also uses other styles, such as haiku and ballad, to create different effects and moods.

Despite the challenges that addiction presents, "Boiled Owls" is a hopeful and uplifting collection. The speaker's journey to sobriety is a difficult one, but Sharma's poetry offers hope and inspiration. The poem "Boiled Owls" ends with a message of hope and resilience, as the speaker realizes that they can overcome addiction and live a fulfilling life.

In conclusion, Azad Ashim Sharma's "Boiled Owls" is a powerful and profound exploration of the impact of cocaine addiction on the speaker's inner world, their family, and those close to them. Through frenetic language that straddles the line between impulse and philosophy, the collection resists common and fanciful depictions, instead focusing on the spaces where addiction arises and the turmoil it can bring. Sharma's poetry captures the raw emotion and desperation of this journey, and it offers hope and inspiration for those who are struggling with addiction.

Weight: 142g
Dimension: 138 x 214 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781738412594