Sameer Gudhate presents the Book Review of When I Hear ‘Shakespeare’ by Laleeta Tongo

The name Shakespeare carries an almost magical weight. Whether you first encountered him through high school literature classes, late-night theater performances, or pop culture references, there’s no denying his influence on storytelling, poetry, and language itself. For many, he is a literary giant; for Laleeta Tongo, he is both muse and mentor.

In When I Hear 'Shakespeare', Tongo crafts a poetic love letter to the Bard, intertwining his timeless phrases with her own lyrical interpretations. This book is more than just a tribute—it’s a heartfelt exploration of how Shakespeare’s words transcend time and continue to inspire new voices.

At its core, this collection is a deeply personal homage to the man whose words have shaped English literature for centuries. Tongo doesn’t merely reference Shakespeare—she engages in a poetic conversation with him. Using phrases from his sonnets and plays, she weaves them into her own verses, creating a unique tapestry of old and new.

The poems reflect her lifelong admiration, from her early struggles with spelling his name to the profound impact his themes have had on her creative journey. This book is for those who appreciate the beauty of Shakespearean language but also for anyone who has ever been so captivated by a writer that their words became a part of their own soul.

Tongo’s writing is elegant yet accessible. She embraces the richness of Shakespearean phrasing while keeping her poetry fresh and contemporary. There’s a rhythm to her words that echoes the cadence of a sonnet, yet her voice remains distinct.

Her style is immersive—each poem feels like an intimate reflection, almost as if she’s whispering secrets passed down through centuries. For lovers of poetry, her work offers a delightful blend of classical homage and modern poetic sensibility.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its exploration of timeless themes: love, longing, loss, and the enduring power of words. Shakespeare’s works have always spoken to the complexities of human emotion, and Tongo’s poems continue that dialogue in a deeply personal way.

There’s a particular resonance in how she connects Shakespeare’s themes to contemporary life. His words, centuries old, still hold relevance in a world that continues to wrestle with the same questions of love, identity, and fate.

Reading When I Hear 'Shakespeare' is like taking a nostalgic journey through both literary history and personal memory. Tongo’s passion for the Bard is palpable, and her poems invite the reader to feel that same sense of awe.

For those who grew up loving Shakespeare, this collection will feel like a warm embrace. For those who have always found him intimidating, Tongo’s accessible approach might just be the perfect gateway into appreciating his genius.

Tongo’s admiration for Shakespeare shines through every page, making this collection deeply personal and heartfelt. By seamlessly blending Shakespearean phrases with her own verses, she creates a compelling dialogue between classic and contemporary poetry. The language remains rich and lyrical yet accessible, ensuring that both poetry enthusiasts and casual readers can appreciate its beauty without feeling overwhelmed.

If there’s one minor critique, it’s that readers unfamiliar with Shakespeare might miss some of the deeper references. While Tongo’s poetry stands beautifully on its own, a brief contextual note or a glossary of Shakespearean allusions could have enhanced the experience for those less versed in his works.

As someone who has always been enamored by the power of words, I found this collection to be a delightful read. It reminded me of the first time I truly felt the beauty of Shakespeare’s language—when a line from Hamlet or Romeo and Juliet stopped being just words and became something visceral, something alive.

Tongo’s poetry rekindles that magic. Her love for Shakespeare is contagious, and by the end of the book, I found myself wanting to revisit his sonnets, to once again lose myself in the rhythm of his words.

When I Hear 'Shakespeare' is more than a poetry collection—it’s an experience, an invitation to rediscover the Bard through the eyes of someone who has cherished his works for a lifetime. Whether you’re a devoted Shakespearean or a casual poetry lover, this book is a reminder of why great literature endures.

Final verdict? A beautifully crafted, deeply personal tribute that will resonate with anyone who has ever been moved by the power of language. Laleeta Tongo has not just written about Shakespeare—she has honored him in the most poetic way possible.

#HimalayanMystery #AncientSecrets #LostInTime #MonasteryChronicles #TheSilentClue