Reviews

The Angels Knocking on the Tavern Door: Thirty Poems of Hafez by Robert Bly, Leonard Lewisohn

dhiyanah's review

mysterious reflective relaxing medium-paced

5.0

For those who's distanced from Hafez's language, each translation is a valuable building block to get to know the voice and illuminating fire of his poetry. Each translation is also just a reflection of the mirage of Hafez, gleaned by the translators and textured by their own reference points, informed by the Hafez they live with in their minds and hearts. I welcome any opportunity to sit with the works of this beautiful soul, and I really enjoyed this book. It reads like a comforting friend soothing the difficult parts of a journey that cannot be understood, only expressed. I also enjoyed Lewisohn's essay here, along with the notes on the ghazals at the end of the book.

alliemullin's review

5.0

lovely translation. i adore hafez.

tod_b's review

5.0

Brilliant! Will read and reread this book.

qwerty88's review

5.0

Picked up this book after a recommendation from a colleague. I don't usually appreciate poetry, but this book made the pieces very accessible, perfect to read slowly and contemplate.