Lost in a Quatrain by Adiela Akoo touches on personal experiences of South Africa's historic dark, segregated past as well as explores aspects of cultural indoctrination.
"This is not flowery poetry or sonnets of love but one woman's voice that speaks for so many."
Lost in a Quatrain is a relatable, inspiring, thought-provoking memoir on a journey to becoming, a journey of hope and healing. Cathartically written over an 18-year period, Lost in a Quatrain is a select collection of deep, must-read, soul-stirring poetry with each poem telling a story that pieces together the puzzle of this crazy, not always romantic, experience we call life . . .
(Most of the poems in the collection were initially never intended for publishing but written for the poet's eyes only in a cathartic attempt to make sense of the world. It was only after being persuaded by a former English teacher, at a fateful meeting decades later, that thoughts of publishing some of the poems as a collection were planted.)
With just 48 poems that read like short stories,
Lost in a Quatrain is a quick, but deeply contemplative read.
Available in translation - visit author/publisher website for details.
Awards & Honours:
- SAIP Awards 2021 - First runner-up, poetry
- GBC Awards 2020 - Top 7 'Most Promising Literary Influencer'
- Whiplash' - quoted in the House of Parliament
- 'Redolent' - R M Publishing Poetry Contest Runner-Up
- 'Pre Natal' - 'Poem of the Day, PoemHunters
- 'Within' - Cert. of Excellence: Demo Gog & Everychild Lifeline Foundation International Literary Award
- Author: 'Best New African Poets of 2020 to 2025' series
- Author included in 'Best Emerging Poets of 2019' series
- Silver Star Award - Global Literary Society 2019
Reviews:
"You are a Tiger Butterfly and this grandma has often been sore!
Wise words, deep thoughts, lovely images and through it all shines a loving and perceptive woman... I shall return to it with pleasure and sometimes tears." - DR MARGUERITE POLAND - Best Selling Author of Shades
"A very versatile poet whose poems linger long after you have read them." - EDRIS KHAMISSA - International Motivational Speaker, Author
"One of the most beautiful poetry collections I've read this year was Lost in a Quatrain by South African author and poet Adiela Akoo. There were many poems that I could relate to and others pertaining to moments in South African history. Lost in a Quatrain includes several deep pieces such as "Not Enough," "Broken Winged Bird," "Are YOU Ready?" "As the Rain Pitter-Pattered," "Wrapped Up," just to name a few. There are many and I enjoyed them all." - NADA ADEL SOBHI - Poet and former Editor-in-Chief of "The Muse", Cairo University
"When you truly reflect on life, you come up with such creations. I like the way Adiela (Akoo) has weaved simple poetic stories out of the complex strings of life in which humans remain entangled. From social to soul exploration, all has been done and depicted neatly in this poetic beauty. As a poet, I especially relate to the poetry style that is made very understandable, yet churned out of an ocean's depth." - RUCHIKA PAHWA - Poet/Author
"This is not flowery poetry or sonnets of love but one woman's voice that speaks for so many." - Linda McCutcheon, VINE VOICE (USA)
Akoo, Adiela: -
Adiela Akoo is a multifaceted South African poet and author whose work delves into themes of identity, resilience, hope, healing, and the intricacies of the human experience.
She is a literary advocate and founding editor of The Quilled Ink Review literary journal curating established and acclaimed voices alongside promising new ones. She is also the founder and director of Quilled Ink Press, a dynamic independent small press that was established in December 2020. She further served as the Vice Chair of the Literacy Association of South Africa (LITASA), KZN Chapter.
Adiela's writing has been published in a variety of anthologies and journals, and translated into multiple languages. She has also been commissioned to represent the Durban UNESCO City of Literature.
Despite a busy schedule, Adiela always makes time to chat to the stray cats that keep adopting her.
Visit her website to read her backstory, poetry, quotes, discover more about her and her books, and connect on social media: https: //linktr.ee/Adiela.Akoo
