MISS FLAWED BY LAXMI KHATANA GURJAR

"MISS FLAWED: Embracing the beauty of imperfection" is a poetry collection featuring 21 original poems that reflect a journey through pain, stereotype-breaking, and the quest to reclaim one's true self. 

This book captures the raw emotion of living with imperfections, transforming personal struggles into powerful verses. Each poem serves as a testament to resilience and the beauty found in vulnerability, inviting readers to embrace their flaws and celebrate their unique journey.

ABOUT THE POET

Laxmi Khatana Gurjar is a 20-year-old law student and NCC cadet. Hailing from a small village in Dubhar Kishanpure, in the Saharanpur district of UP, she draws inspiration from her mother's unwavering struggle against conservative societal norms to provide her daughters with a better life. Motivated by her mother's struggles and her own experiences, she has crafted this beautiful collection that dares to question some outdated societal norms!

Usually I do not include an 'ABOUT THE AUTHOR/POET' section in my reviews, as the works I have reviewed till now can stand independently. But Laxmi's poetry is so personal and close to her heart that it only felt right to provide some context before delving into a detailed review. MISS FLAWED is not just about acknowledging and accepting genuine flaws; it's also about redefining the word by questioning what a biased society sees as flawed but is actually a strength. For instance, 'Societal Norms or Happy Soul' asks the following questions that eventually shape up the central themes of this collection.

Are you perfect if you adhere to the societal norms?

Or are you better off embracing your uniqueness?

Happiness stems from personal satisfaction, but how can people be satisfied when everyone around them tries to challenge their individuality? Ironically, the ones who suppress were once challenged by others too. Laxmi begins her collection with these important questions and tries to answer them through 20 more poems. Below, I'll be reviewing some of my favourite poems from the book.

OH REALLY?

This is one of the poems from the collection that challenges the 'flaws' the society sees in the speaker, but she debunks them all in this unapologetically crafted witty poem, as the so-called flaws stem from outdated stereotypes, not real shortcomings. The superficial standards imposed on women include fair skin, tall height, long hair, docile behaviour and silence. Each stanza in this poem starts with an accusation disguised as advise but it ends with a sarcastic and witty reply by the speaker, who questions the absurdity of the norms and standards women are expected to abide by. This poem is a powerful advocate for body positivity, intellectual freedom and resistance to silence. The title of this poem is particularly unique and impactful as it taps into the lived reality of many Indian women who are constantly bombarded with unsolicited advice at every point in their lives. This is a must-read poem for all women who feel trapped by these unrealistic standards.

Unspoken Truths

This is another reflective poem that highlights the variety of paradoxes faced by women in a society that celebrates women in principle but restricts them in practice. A girl's birth is still celebrated, yet as she grows up, completes her schooling, and gets her degree with dreams and ambitions, the harsh reality strikes. Even in the 21st century, people still choose to measure her worth based on menstrual 'impurity,' dowry, and giving birth to a daughter. The speaker takes a stand for women by highlighting their strength as they are meant to break these age-old stereotypes that once weighed them down. This bold poem is deeply relatable as it not just functions as a strong piece of social commentary, but it also an effort to empower women to embrace their strengths and celebrate their daughters.

We Don’t Talk Anymore, God

I'm going to be really honest now. While the other poems in this collection are absolutely amazing, this poem is the most unique! And it's simply because it explores a topic not many dare to explore, and that's the weight of spiritual disillusionment. Faith and spirituality are really sensitive issues to explore, as it is easy to believe in the miracles of God when we are living a comfortable life without too many obstacles. But it is also equally easy to shake that foundation when the prayers and offerings do not bear any results. In those circumstances we are forced to ask ourselves, "Why does God expect faith from us after letting us suffer for so long?" This is the exact sentiment the poetess tries to capture in this poem.

Thematically, this poem explores the painful distance between the poet and a once-familiar God. What begins as a memory of intimate, almost childlike devotion slowly dissolves into a broken relationship filled with silence, bitterness, and a sense of abandonment. Beyond the spiritual connection, this is also a relatable poem for someone who yearns for connection but also understands that they have to acknowledge the distance that now exists with loved ones. The poem stands out as it questions the idea of unwavering faith, as we all are humans who have the right to question and mourn the potential absence of the divine. It also beautifully aligns with the idea of 'Miss Flawed,' a woman who accepts her flaws while also questioning the world for its shortcomings. This poem can have dual interpretations. The poet is either pointing out her flaws for losing faith in the almighty, or she is simply critiquing the expectation of unwavering faith from people with a life of hardships and trauma.

The Girl with the Dusty Dupaṭa

This is another unique poem from the collection, as it delves into the power of perception and how pity can transform into admiration of beauty and strength. Usually poems tend to romanticise poverty. But the speaker takes a different approach here. Instead of talking about the 'fortunate rich' and 'pitiful poor' and how this duality harms society, she chooses to focus on the strength and wisdom in places society least expects to see. From a certain perspective, the girl was a teacher who unknowingly showed a new perspective to the readers. The grace of her simplicity, pride and hunger had moved the poetess. They reminded her that at times we forget the importance of being alive even when life seems hard. The 'rich' chase materialistic wants throughout their lives but forget the joy that can be found in the smallest things. Gurjar beautifully pens down her admiration for the girl, reminding us, the readers, that there are many ways to cherish the beauty of life.

 From acknowledging personal scars to celebrating individuality, this debut collection is not just a poetic journey; it is a quiet revolution. Imperfect, unfiltered, and unforgettable. I would rate this 5 out of 5.