Who are the Bene Israel Jews of India? Where did they come from? How did they survive in India? "Sweet Malida" is a moving, multi-layered, richly sensory and informative collection of poems and short prose inspired by this ancient community to which the poet herself belongs. Using various poetic forms, the poet launches on an imaginative journey, delving into the history, especially the food and culinary customs of this small community of Indian Jews, explores its special connection to the Prophet Elijah, while seamlessly weaving in memories, bringing to life the past and lost loved ones as well.

Author: Zilka Joseph
Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Mayapple Press
Published: 02/05/2024
Pages: 66
Weight: 0.26lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.16d
ISBN: 9781952781193


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 04/01/2024

About the Author
Zilka Joseph was born in Mumbai, lived in Kolkata, and now lives in Michigan. Her work is influenced by Indian and Western cultures, and her Bene Israel roots. Her poems have appeared in journals such as Poetry Magazine and The Bombay Literary Magazine, as well as in international anthologies. She was nominated for awards, has participated in festivals, been featured on NPR/Michigan Radio, and podcasts like Rattlecast and Culturico. Her chapbook SPARROWS AND DUST (The Ridgeway Press, 2021) won a Notable Best Indie Book award and was a Notable Asian American Poetry Book. Two of her books, Sharp Blue Search of Flame (Wayne State University Press, 2016) and IN OUR BEAUTIFUL BONES, were Foreword INDIES Prize finalists. The University of Michigan awarded her a Zell Fellowship, the Michael Gutterman award, and the Elsie Choy Lee Scholarship. She is a creative writing coach and manuscript advisor.