THE MOON THAT TURNS YOU BACK Poems

Hala Alyan's velvety tones add a paradoxical dimension to her collection of poems exploring themes of displacement and identity. Alyan, a Palestinian American poet, novelist, and clinical psychologist, illuminates the diasporic experience in these poems but also addresses general discord in life, especially the trials she experienced after an ectopic pregnancy. Her use of succinct, candid language and haunting imagery effectively conveys feelings of disconnection and unease. Yet amid the darkness, her poetry and voice express glimmers of hope, transformation, and renewal. Through her crisp words and striking metaphors, Alyan paints vivid portraits of her family and cultures; her soothing voice, clear and articulate, creates an experience that is disquieting and penetrating. Alyan's evocative performance invites listeners to contemplate belonging, resilience, and the human spirit. M.F. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2024]