Infamous Landscapes

Sharma's third collection places its author in the bewildering atmosphere of unfamiliar customs and ambiguous relationships, often expressed as a clash between Eastern and Western culture, but in a broader context. In these poems, Sharma craves simplicity and honesty in a world that seems increasingly corrupt. “Off-Year: Several Hopes & Health Games” examines the power dynamic in relationships between women and men: “You are not really a master!” she says, “I just invented this to control my own longings.” Sharma also asks serious questions, but gives in to passion, too, though not without complications. Convictions and morals fight with a desire for absolute abandon; this conflict is figured as a charming innocence, corruptible but ultimately prevailing: “Her wooden nickels paid for wilderness.” Lyrically motivated and contemplative, Sharma (The Opening Question ) may be more concerned with language than with the images it can conjure, but finds meaning by observation and definition, attaining her own peculiar logic and phrasing. (Dec.)