Review:

“The little girl in your heart,
She needs the warmth of your words,
She seeks the assurance of your presence,
She reaches for the hold of your hand—
Only yours, and no one else’s.”

These lines stayed with me long after I finished Iron Draped in Silk by Surbhi Gupta. They echoed softly in my mind like a gentle reminder to turn inward and meet myself with kindness. This book isn’t just a collection of poems—it’s a powerful companion on the journey of becoming, remembering, and healing. A book that resonates deeply with strength, resilience, and the unwavering path of self-love.

This collection is more than poetry; it’s a soulful exploration of the heart—its desires, its courage, its pain, and its capacity to heal. Much like its title, the book balances paradoxes beautifully: powerful yet gentle, intense yet soothing, vulnerable yet filled with hope. It holds a mirror to our inner world and quietly whispers, “You matter too.”

Dedicated to the spirit of womanhood, every page feels like a warm hug, a hand on your shoulder, a reminder of your worth. It celebrates the feminine force with reverence, reminding each woman that she is nature itself—strong, nurturing, fierce, and whole. This isn’t just a book of poems—it’s a tribute. A tribute to the woman who gives endlessly, who forgets herself in the noise of life, who quietly holds the world together. For the woman who has felt too much or not enough. For the girl within her who still seeks comfort, approval, and peace.

Divided into four sections, each part builds upon the last, gently peeling back layers of self-doubt and conditioning. The poems explore love, loss, identity, courage, and hope. They don’t demand healing—they invite it. Each section acts as a quiet guide, encouraging us to explore forgotten dreams, buried pain, and that sacred sense of enoughness we all crave. You don’t just read this book—you move through it.

There is softness in Surbhi’s voice, but also a fierce grace. Like iron beneath silk, her words hold strength within gentleness. The poems are raw and reflective, like clean cuts that make you pause and feel—really feel. They speak directly to the heart, urging us to fill our own cups without guilt. 

From the first page, Surbhi establishes a tone of quiet strength that carries you through each page. Through her words, she creates a space where emotions are not just felt, but honoured. It’s rare to find a book that truly sees you, but this one does. It understands the unspoken—the doubt, the longing, the silent need to be held without conditions. It doesn’t offer hollow affirmations; it offers truth, wrapped in tenderness.

Surbhi’s writing is both enchanting and empowering. She blends softness and strength in perfect harmony. Her voice doesn’t just speak—it stays with you. Every poem feels crafted with care, making it impossible to pick a favourite. The entire book becomes a companion for moments of despair and celebration alike. Some verses brought tears, some brought peace, and others a strength I didn’t know I needed. This is a book for the days you feel lost, and for the days you feel found. When the world is too loud or your heart is too quiet. For quiet mornings and restless nights. A book that doesn’t just speak to you, it sits with you.

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What makes it even more captivating are the illustrations. They aren’t just decorative—they’re emotional extensions of the poems. Each one draws you deeper, adding visual softness to the already stirring words. One message stayed with me throughout: you are allowed to choose yourself. In a world that often glorifies selflessness to the point of invisibility, Surbhi’s poetry gives us permission to pause, to be, to reclaim. Her voice is firm yet nurturing and beautifully lyrical.

There’s something deeply personal in how this book reads. It feels like a friend, a journal, a quiet evening with your thoughts. It’s not dramatic or loud, but it speaks volumes. And it stays. The kind of book you turn to again and again, depending on the season of your heart.

Iron Draped in Silk is so much more than a poetry book—it’s a heartfelt companion for anyone on a journey of healing and self-discovery. Surbhi Gupta’s poems blend strength and tenderness beautifully, offering comfort, courage, and clarity with every page. This collection truly earned a special place on my shelf and in my heart. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for poetry that uplifts and empowers. It’s a book I’ll return to again and again—during storms, sunshine, and especially in those quiet, in-between moments when I’m simply trying to find my way back to myself.

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