Book Review: ‘Soma’ by A.K. Ramanujan

Book Title: Soma
Author: A.K. Ramanujan
Publisher: Penguin Viking
Number of Pages: 268
ISBN: 978-0670098040
Date Published: Sept. 29, 2024
Price: INR 163

Book Review

“Soma” by A.K. Ramanujan is a remarkable collection of primarily unreleased poetry on the mystical realm of the Soma plant. Soma, published by Guillermo Rodriguez and Krishna Ramanujan, features 22 poems from A.K. Ramanujan’s papers at the University of Chicago. These poems revolve around the Soma plant, which is thought to have mystical, consciousness-altering abilities. In Hindu mythology, gods and priests ingested Soma during rites. The collection contextualizes these poems with studies that examine Soma’s historical relevance and connection to Ramanujan’s creative process.

A.K. Ramanujan, born on March 16, 1929, in Mysore, India, was a versatile literary personality known for his contributions to poetry, translation, linguistics, and folklore studies. His life has been defined by intellectual curiosity, linguistic study, and a strong dedication to literature and culture. Soma is a treasure trove for fans of A.K. Ramanujan’s work. These poems, frequently rejected drafts, provide insight into Ramanujan’s thoughts throughout the 1970s and early 1980s. They reflect his mind-altering experiences and lyrical vision, making them an important part of literary history. The Soma Plant serves as a metaphor for altered states of consciousness, creative creativity, and hidden truths. Ramanujan’s obsession with Soma is consistent with his capacity to transform the ordinary into the exceptional.

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Krishna Ramanujan’s writing discusses the significance of Soma in Vedic rites and gives historical background to the writings and setting. Guillermo Rodriguez explores Ramanujan’s perception of Soma and how it influenced his creative creativity. To make sure that these poems are not forgotten in library boxes, “Soma” brings back to life a lesser-known version of Ramanujan. It deepens our comprehension of his genius by capturing a pivotal point in his oeuvre.

In a nutshell, “Soma” encourages readers to investigate the mysterious, forgotten, and transformational. It’s a lyrical elixir that remains long after the last page; his poetry addresses universal subjects, pushing readers to investigate the human condition and the secrets of existence.

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