This Is My Name

This Is My Name collects poems by acclaimed Syrian poet Adonis, translated into English by Khaled Mattawa. The poems span multiple decades of Adonis's career and draw from both Arab literary traditions and modernist influences. The collection includes works that engage with themes of identity, exile, and language through a mix of lyrical and experimental forms. Adonis moves between personal reflection and broader cultural commentary, incorporating elements of Sufi mysticism and Arab history. Much of the work centers on the relationship between the self and cultural inheritance, particularly exploring what it means to write in Arabic while drawing from multiple poetic lineages. The poems raise questions about individual voice versus collective memory, and the role of the poet in times of social upheaval. The collection stands as both a personal testament and a wider meditation on heritage, modernity, and the transformative potential of poetry. Without offering easy answers, the work examines how identity is shaped through language and cultural dialogue.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Adonis's overall work: Poetry readers praise Adonis' ability to merge classical Arabic traditions with modern experimentation. Reviews frequently mention the striking imagery and metaphysical depth of collections like "Songs of Mihyar of Damascus." What readers liked: - Complex layering of historical and mythological references - Bold experimentation with form and structure - Precision of language even in translation - Integration of Sufi mysticism with contemporary themes What readers disliked: - Dense, challenging texts that require multiple readings - Abstract nature makes some poems inaccessible - Translations vary significantly in quality - Some find his rejection of tradition too extreme Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: Average 4.1/5 (300+ ratings) - "Selected Poems" - 4.2/5 - "Songs of Mihyar" - 4.3/5 Amazon: Average 4.0/5 (limited reviews) One reader noted: "His poems demand work but reward patience with profound insights." Another commented: "The complexity sometimes overshadows the emotional impact."

Selected Poems by Mahmoud Darwish These poems explore identity, exile, and the relationship between language and memory through a Middle Eastern lens.

The Conference of the Birds by Farid ud-Din Attar This Persian epic poem follows birds on a spiritual journey to find divine truth through mystical encounters and philosophical dialogues.

Notes for the End of Time by Ali Ahmad Said Esber The collection merges classical Arabic poetic traditions with modern perspectives on existence and metaphysical questions.

Complete Works by Saint John of the Cross These poems and prose works examine spiritual transformation through metaphors of darkness and light.

The Divan by Hafez Persian poetry that interweaves mystical themes with observations on love, existence, and the divine through complex metaphorical structures.

🖋️ Adonis (born Ali Ahmad Said Esber) took his pen name from the Greek god of beauty and desire, marking his break from traditional Arabic literary conventions 🏆 This Is My Name incorporates elements of Sufi mysticism while challenging religious orthodoxy, a hallmark of Adonis's work that has made him both celebrated and controversial in the Arab world 📚 The book combines poetry and prose in a unique format that reflects the author's belief in breaking down traditional genre boundaries 🌍 Written originally in Arabic as "Haadha Huwa Ismi," the work explores themes of identity, exile, and the relationship between East and West 🎭 The collection draws heavily on ancient Mesopotamian mythology while simultaneously addressing contemporary political and social issues in the Middle East