Savitri: A Legend & A Symbol - New U.S.Edition

Rating:
Summary: A poem to live the future destiny of man
Review: A poem to live the future destiny of man

If Shakespeare prepared the English language for its future then Sri Aurobindo immortalized it. Savitri churns your thoughts in unimaginable ways and makes you experience the bliss that is not ordinarily possible without the aid of external stimulants.

To the lovers of poetry, Savitri is a vindication of the quality of their taste.

To the students of English Language, Savitri represents the summit of expression.

To those seeking reconciliation with their maker, Savitri is the road map.

To those who want to move in the higher realm of consciousness, Savitri is the springboard.

To those who value history, Savitri is the bond.

Rating:
Summary: Powerful stuff.
Review: Wowie Zowie. Where to begin?

I think the power of this poem comes from its encyclopedic scope and also from its beautiful language. Aurobindo's ear is phenomenal; this book begs to be read out loud. If you're interested in prosody, Savitri is written in such sparkly iambic pentameter (no enjambment) that it would make Marlowe or Milton blush with envy. I do not think this is an exaggeration. Like Paradise Lost, Savitri attempts to fold The Whole Shebang into one text. I suggest you judge Aurobindo's success or failure in this regard for yourself. I don't think you'll regret the effort.

Now, I can't recommend this book without mentioning that it's not easy going. At first glance Aurobindo's verse seems vague, prolix, and hopelessly "purple." After all, his favorite English poet is Percy Bysshe Shelley. Aurobindo's Cambridge vocabulary is enormous and specialized; keep a dictionary handy. It takes a patient and appreciative reading to pierce this and see the concreteness of Aurobindo's poetic vision. Aurobindo literally spent decades writing and revising it as the inspiration hit; in places it seems a bit fragmented and unfinished (but to a lesser degree than The Canterbury Tales or The Faerie Queene). And it's 720 pages long.

Hope this is helpful.