Review:

‘There’s so much more across the fence,
Since when did you lose the nerve to jump upon,
There’s so much more to that book on your lap,
Than the page you are religiously stuck on.’

Poetry can heal us, transporting us down memory lane and inviting us to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the raw emotions and experiences that shape our lives. In Reflections of a Wandering Heart, Shilpi Goyal masterfully captures this transformative power of poetry, taking readers on a soul-stirring journey that resonates long after the final page. This remarkable collection is a tapestry of emotions—an exploration of the human heart in all its vulnerability and strength. Goyal’s poetry flows like a gentle river, sometimes stirring, sometimes still, but always deep. Her verses guide us through love and loss, grief and gratitude, pain and healing, always circling back to the quiet wisdom that life, in all its complexity, keeps moving forward.

One particularly memorable stanza reads:

“No matter how old you get,
No matter what phase of life you’re going through,
May you always pause to fill your pockets with seashells,
Every time the waves bring them for you.”

These lines linger like a gentle echo—an invitation to remain open to beauty and wonder, even amidst life’s constant tides. And yet, they are just a glimpse of the emotional wealth this collection offers. Reflections of a Wandering Heart is not simply a book to be read but a companion to be revisited—a quiet refuge for the heart.

Goyal’s writing is rich and lyrical, effortlessly making a lasting impact on the hearts of those who read her work. Her style is gentle yet powerful, evocative yet restrained. The poems often unfold like short stories, layered with insight and reflection, allowing readers to savour each line slowly. The depth of emotion in her work invites a kind of stillness—a space to breathe, to feel, to remember.

The collection is further enhanced by exquisite illustrations that beautifully complement the verses, adding visual poetry to Goyal’s words. Among my favourites are “Too Much,” “Grief,” “To Where It Belongs,” “Conviction,” and “Dusk”—each a poignant reflection on the intricacies of the human experience. Equally compelling are her poems on “maa,” which capture the sacred love of motherhood, and “Draupadi,” a powerful reimagining of strength and resilience.

One line that has stayed with me is,

“You are rich in the love you give away.”

It encapsulates the heart of this collection—a message of compassion, generosity, and emotional abundance.

The poems are not just expressions—they’re encounters. You don’t simply read them; you sit with them, often finding your own truths hidden between the lines. Structurally, the book unfolds like a thoughtful conversation—gentle, rhythmic, and profound—making it ideal for both seasoned poetry lovers and those just stepping into the world of verse. Each poem stands on its own, yet collectively, they form a quiet symphony of introspection and emotional healing.

Also Read: Book Review: The DOSE Effect by TJ Power – A Refreshing Guide to Mental Well-Being.

The emotional pacing of the book is deliberate—much like a wandering heart itself. It meanders gently through moments of tenderness, lingers in grief, and rises with hope, creating a rhythm that mirrors the ebb and flow of life. It’s the kind of collection that invites multiple readings, each time offering something new—an insight, a memory, a comfort you didn’t realize you needed. In an age of hurried emotions and fragmented thoughts, Reflections of a Wandering Heart feels like a return to slowness, to intentional feeling. It is a book that doesn’t merely want to be read—it wants to be felt. It’s for anyone who’s ever lost something, healed quietly, or held on to hope when the world went still. There’s a grace in her restraint. Goyal never shouts her truths—she breathes them into being.

To read this collection is to wander gently through the chambers of your own heart—and perhaps, to leave it a little lighter, a little more open, and a little more in tune with life’s quiet poetry. More than just a literary experience, this book is a quiet act of healing. It asks us to embrace our shadows, honour our scars, and hold space for both sorrow and joy. In doing so, it reminds us that the journey inward is the most powerful journey of all. Reflections of a Wandering Heart is not just a title—it’s a promise. A promise that somewhere in these verses, you will find a reflection of your own heart too. 

In essence, Reflections of a Wandering Heart is more than a book of poems—it is a guide to embracing our humanness with grace. It speaks to the seeker, the dreamer, the healer within us all. For anyone who finds comfort in poetry or seeks a mirror to their own wandering heart, this collection is a treasure. Goyal’s words do not just linger—they live on, enriching the soul with every read.

Get your Book Reviewed by Vidhya Thakkar – Connect us Now