Adil Jussawalla

Adil Jussawalla is an Indian English-language poet, critic, and teacher who has been an influential figure in Mumbai's literary scene since the 1960s. He is particularly known for his poetry collections "Land's End" (1962) and "Missing Person" (1976), which explore themes of alienation, urban life, and cultural identity. Following a 35-year hiatus from publishing poetry, Jussawalla returned with "Trying to Say Goodbye" (2011) and "The Right Kind of Dog" (2013). His work frequently addresses the complexities of post-colonial Indian identity and the experience of living between cultures, drawing from his time spent studying in England and his life in Mumbai. As an editor, Jussawalla has made significant contributions to Indian literature in English through his work with Clearing House publishing collective and his anthology "New Writing in India" (1974). He has also been a mentor to younger generations of Indian poets and writers through his teaching and involvement in Mumbai's literary community. Jussawalla's poetry is characterized by its intellectual rigor, precise language, and engagement with both personal and political themes. His work has been recognized with several awards, including the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2014 for his collection "Trying to Say Goodbye."

Limited reader reviews exist online for Adil Jussawalla, making it difficult to provide a comprehensive summary of reader sentiment. His works have minimal presence on Goodreads and Amazon, with most books having fewer than 5 ratings. Readers note his complex explorations of urban Indian life and identity, particularly in "Land's End" and "Maps for a Mortal Moon." Several reviews highlight his experimental style and dense imagery. Common criticisms focus on the accessibility of his poetry, with some readers finding the references obscure and the language challenging to parse. On Goodreads: - Missing Person: 3.67/5 (3 ratings) - Maps for a Mortal Moon: No ratings - Land's End: No ratings - Trying to Say Goodbye: No ratings The limited online engagement makes it difficult to identify clear patterns in reader response. Most academic discussion of his work appears in scholarly articles rather than consumer reviews.

Land's End (1962) Poetry collection exploring themes of exile and displacement in post-colonial India, written during the author's time in England.

Missing Person (1976) Long-form poem sequence examining urban alienation and personal identity through fragmented narratives and varied poetic forms.

Trying to Say Goodbye (2012) Collection of poems dealing with mortality, memory, and the changing face of Mumbai over several decades.

The Right Kind of Dog (2013) Poetry collection specifically written for young readers, addressing themes of growing up and self-discovery.

Maps for a Mortal Moon: Essays and Entertainment (2014) Compilation of essays, reviews, and critical writings spanning four decades of cultural commentary and literary criticism.

I Dreamt a Horse Fell from the Sky (2015) Selected prose works including autobiographical pieces, literary criticism, and cultural commentary from various periods of the author's career.

The Woodworm's Chronicle and Other Stories (2018) Collection of short fiction and prose pieces examining contemporary Indian society and personal experiences.