A review by yellowbinge
Haiku: Classic Japanese Short Poems by Yosa Buson, Masaoka Shiki, Matsuo Bashō, Kobayashi Issa

inspiring reflective relaxing fast-paced

5.0

Publishing date: 14.08.2024

Thank you to Netgalley and Amber Books Ltd for the ARC. My opinions are my own. 

The book as a meal: I am eating a little lunch outside, listening to nature

The book left me: Wanting to connect more with nature

Negatives:

Wish there were more haikus

Positives:

Beautiful formatting

Beautiful haikus 

Features: 

Haikus in their original language and in english, themes of nature and time passing by

Why did I choose this one?

I have recently played Ghost of Tsushima and discovered haikus. Really enjoyed the format and themes, and wanted a little more. This book became available at the perfect time, so I simply had to request it. 

Pick-up-able? Put-down-able?

Devourable. I consumed this in a single sitting. I could not stop myself. Completely entranced. 

What was the vibe and mood?

Overall nature vibes. Switches effortlessly between summer and winter a lot. There are noises from nature, imagery, and the feeling of being outside. Very serene and peaceful. 

Final ranking and star rating?

5 stars, S tier. This does exactly what it sets out to do. Show off some haikus from major haiku writers, touch upon the history of haikus, and wraps this up in a neat little book. I think this would be the perfect gift for a poetry and haiku lover in someone's life. I personally will buy a "trophy copy" later to keep on my coffee table.