"Cairo" is a captivating collection of poetry that delves into the depths of personal exploration and the pursuit of freedom. Set against the vibrant backdrop of the historic city of Cairo, the book follows the journey of the author as he embarks on a profound quest for self-discovery.
Amidst the bustling streets, ancient architecture, and rich cultural tapestry of Cairo, the author finds solace in the art of poetry, utilizing it as a medium to express his deepest desires, fears, and aspirations. Each poem becomes a unique window into the author's soul, inviting readers to join him on a transformative odyssey.
As the author immerses himself in the city's enchanting atmosphere, he encounters a Masri man who becomes both his guide and muse. Their connection is immediate and magnetic, igniting a passionate love affair that transcends societal boundaries and norms. Through their shared experiences and intimate moments, the author's perceptions of love, desire, and human connection are profoundly challenged and redefined.
Cairo is the new poetry collection from the author Kolton Lane. Despite the title, Cairo splits itself into two distinct geographical regions, the first half focusing itself on America and the second on Egypt. There is also a final third section which is comprised of a short story titled "Inseparable Threads", which is set in Kansas, America.
Poems in this book follow what many would consider to be a traditionalist, conventional style of poetry, with block stanzas and rhyming couples used frequently to great effect. There is a sense of clam and ease while reading the poems, that nothing within the reader's eye needs to be rushed. Personal favourites include the poems "Waters of the Nile" and "Dust Storms" which romanticises the arterial river which dominates the very fabric of what Egypt is and was.
The inclusion of the short story "Inseparable Threads" feels a bit out of kilter with the rest of the book. While like the rest of the book, the words are well written, by the author's own admission, it is not a integral part of the collection. In the foreword preceding the story, Lane states, "who knows, maybe the next book may be a collection of short stories." It is an element that probably should have been debuted elsewhere. The title of this book, Cairo, might also have benefitted from being more flattering to the boarder locations referenced, seeing as the first half the book is set in America and the second half does not limit itself to the city boarders of the Egyptian capital.
When it comes to poetry, the best collections are the ones with either a sense of urgency or a sense of place. With Cairo, Lane has successfully managed to target the latter camp to great effect. With poems that are well put together with nice deployment of visual language, reading this book will make you long for sunny days on distant shores.
AEB Reviews
