Publisher's Synopsis
When the author, at 16, took a long train trip across India to Delhi, he had two books of Urdu poetry with him which he had purchased by chance on the platform. By the time he arrived at his destination, 36 hours later, he was smitten with the poems-and thus began a life-long fascination with the passionate, emotionally intricate work of Urdu poets. For this carefully curated book, the author has translated 50 poems by 14 poets representing the range of the old, courtly, and romantic era of the Mughal poets (Ghalib, Mir, Momin), as well as new, modern poets (Faiz, Sahir, Majaz) for whom justice, freedom, and equality, were clarion calls.
The helpful introduction to Urdu poetry and its precise structure will assist the reader in understanding Urdu poetry's elusive charm.
Most of the poems are hyperlinked to famous ghazal singers singing them. The reader can thus, not only read the translations and the original in Romanized Urdu and Devnagari, but also listen to them being performed unforgettably.
HOLGA
Praise for A Lover's Sigh:
"The Lover's Sigh is a true achievement. It is the perfect introduction to a lovely form of poetry that deserves attention. But more than that, The Lover's Sigh is also the perfect text for the classroom."
"For anyone wanting to explore Urdu poetry, A Lover's Sigh is the perfect book to start your journey. The excellent English translations are the perfect way to enjoy ghazals for those not fluent in Urdu."
This collection of translated poems provides a window into Urdu poetry for those of us who do not speak Urdu and want to explore this art form. The introduction is an excellent resource providing tools to understand, appreciate, and enjoy ghazals. Finally, I can understand the work of some of the greatest poets the world has produced."
"Finally - and this is the master-stroke - the segment ends with a hyperlink that takes the reader to a magical world where the poem is sung or recited."
