Today, I bring you a review written by Michele Baron on Subash Singh Parajuli’s poetry collection entitled ‘Soil on Pyre’, published by Color Nepal.

Soil on Pyre

– Michele Baron

Soil on Pyre, a first-anthology of poetry by Subash S. Parajuli, ranges between short, compelling glimpses into the starkly personal, to musings upon life’s contemporary challenges. Always visible are the poet’s impressions bridging time lived in Nepal and in the United States.

‘Soil on Pyre’ by Subash S. Parajuli, Publisher: Color Nepal CNEP, with Maya Publication, ISBN: 978-9937-0-2752-6

From the nod to the yellow wood of Robert Frost, to contemplation from the rarified air of Barpak, Parajuli roams the exterior landscape of the often arduous, sometimes beautiful trek into adulthood, exploring the pitfalls of war, obsession, greed, environmental-depredation, self-destination, the panacea of science, altruism, politics and patriotism… even poetry — the sharing of stories and language between peoples, across and through the ages.

Parajuli’s non-indigenous use of English adds layers of complexity to the intense and often revealing inner monologue of a contemplative soul voyaging through cultural, economic, and ethical courtyards which wall off or bridge segments of modern life, stopping to glance through the doorways of gender, faith, emotion, and the apparent obsolescence of humanity.

Soil on Pyre is a book both of surprises and of recognition. Perfect for dipping into, or for reading deeply enough to relish the sounds the words make, the meanings they conjure, and the truths they reintroduce.

Author Subash Singh Parajuli is PENTASI B UNIVERSAL INSPIRATIONAL POET AWARD winner of 2017 from Philippines, EPITOME for PEACE and LITERATURE AWARD from Nigeria in 2018, ETERNITY for PEACE from Odisha, India in 2018, YOUTH for PEACE AMBASSADOR AWARD by (WYPF) from Korea in 2019. He is a very versatile poet, storyteller, avid traveler and literary organizer from Nepal who has published many poems in many International Journal and Anthologies. He published Mystic Myth a collection of poetry in 2014 and Soil on Pyre 2017. 

About Michele Baron

World-traveler, Fulbright Scholar, author, visual/performance artist Michele Baron, an American national, is again relocating after having lived 3 years in Central Asia, and another year along the roads between. Itinerant seeker of knowledge, developer of outreach projects, Ms. Baron prefers sensible shoes to heels. Sometimes she receives recognition, such as “International Ambassador of the Word” and “Ambassador of the Spanish Word” from the Egido Delgado Serrano Foundation, and a Citation for Contributions to the Arts from Maryland General Assembly.  

About Color Nepal (CNEP):

Color Nepal was founded in 2006, with an aim to promote Nepalese literature, culture & art. Founder president, Nirmal Kumar Thapa, and Vice President, legendary literary figure Shailendra Sakar, guided CNEP in initial days. Helping Thapa and Sakar, were other noted contemporary literary personalities like Dr. Shashi Sigdel, Diwa Rai, Keshav Sigdel, Bibhor Baral, Devendra Thumkeli, Tagendra Magar. 

Color Nepal started Creative Writing Camps for writers and media personalities. It was highly praised in Nepal, and writers from youth to active legends participated in annual writers camps. The main idea was to promote places in and the culture of Nepal through creative writing. Color Nepal is working vividly to engage people with books, art works, and cultural activities. It has helped many fine artists to exhibit their art works, encouraging youngsters to record their songs, and launch their music albums and books. ‘Soil on Pyre’ by Subash S. Parajuli is one of the many published books brought forth by Color Nepal. Contact Color Nepal here: colornepal@gmail.com

Presented by Dr Sangita Swechcha

Dr Sangita Swechcha is a Communications Professional, Researcher, and a Fiction writer. She has over 15 years of experience in international communications and media relations. She is a Guest Editor for Global Literature in Libraries Initiative (GLLI) and coordinating ‘Nepali Literature month’ – November 2019. She is a novelist and a writer who has written a novel ‘Pakhalieko Siundo’, a joint collection of stories ‘Asahamatika Pailaharu’ and a collection of short stories ‘Gulafsangako Prem’ in Nepali.  

Forthcoming in English translations in 2020 in e-book formats first: A novel ‘Pakhalieko Siundo’ and a collection of short stories ‘Gulafsangako Prem’, titled in English as ‘The Rose: An Unusual Love Story’ (looking for international publisher/s for publishing print versions of these books). Her twitter handle: SangyShrestha. Email: sangyshrestha@hotmail.com Connect on Facebook.