yesterday i was the moon | noor unnahr | Book Review

Noor Unnahar is a modern day poet, artist and social media influencer whose engaging collection of poems and journal illustrations have received a flattering number of satisfied followers. Noor is a current student of IVS (Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture) and has a rapidly growing fanbase.

A poet based in Karachi, Pakistan but raised in a home that we can all call ours - a home with distinct culture and profound emotions. yesterday i was the moon is not just a modern-day poetry collection; it is light; it is noor; it is our walk in her shoes. It’s a ride that only gets better and by the end, you’ll find a noor in yourself.

Yesterday i was the moon is indeed a memoir in verses. It’s a near-perfect blend of religion and culture, a struggle with self image and the feeling of homesickness at home. Not only Noor evinces her fears but also take us along to her journey of self-awareness. She effortlessly transcends her past to reside in the present.

Her style of writing is minimal but her emotions are elaborate and relatable. The visual art next to the poetry provides a certain edge, a sense of completion to the piece. In this collection, she explores her heritage and expresses the adoration for it. This book is certainly a product of rigorous introspection and constant evaluation of the surroundings.

Here is my pick from this insightful piece of art.

my mother’s name

translates into

the sun of the women

she named me

noor unnahar

light of the day

i shine when i want to

I burn when i have to

the sun name me light; i know

how to dwell in the sky

with eclipse and stars

{shams un-nisa}