Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite

A Collection of Poems by Kauveh Rusta brings together thoughtful poems about life, exile, love, death, and the search for identity. Every poem is accompanied by an abstract painting, which gives the words a visual story. Kauveh takes readers to Iran, a country he still loves but had to leave behind. He describes the country's political chaos and the way corrupt forces hunt and oppress innocent people, but still touches on the hope that remains. The poems talk about renewal and healing, about starting over, like a seed pushing up through the dirt. Love also runs through these poems, but not just the romantic kind. There’s love for heritage, for nature, and for art. Some verses even touch calmly on the idea of death, focusing on the legacy that outlasts a person’s life. Kauveh also wrestles with geopolitics, showing exactly how political strife drives people from their homes and leads to exploitation and war. The whole collection feels honest and raw, never losing sight of what can survive even the worst times. Finally, the book covers messages of faith and hope for a bright future.

A Collection of Poems is a deeply moving read. Every word and painting is loaded with the author’s emotions and memories. The poems are all dated, stretching from 1978 right up to 2024, so you get a real sense of the journey. What really makes the book different is that it is in three languages: Persian, English, and French. That means people from different backgrounds can connect with it. The poems examine themes we all recognize—survival, resilience, longing for peace, and the hope for unity. Kauveh Rusta writes with a lot of creativity. He weaves stories of exile using love, hints at growth through seasons, and uses nature to paint feelings of loneliness or yearning. There are nods to Iran’s political history and shout-outs to cultural icons like Googoosh, Ahmad Shamlou, and Charles Aznavour, which give the book historical and cultural depth. It’s a powerful, beautifully made collection. If you’re searching for poetry that feels intimate but also political, melancholic yet still hopeful, and rooted in Persian culture, you’ll want to pick this up.