Canadian poet Rupi Kaur sold 200 signed copies of her latest book at Waterstones whilst performing in Manchester for the first time.
Never heard of her? Would her name ring a bell if I mentioned she began as a famous Instapoet who blew up on social media after speaking about how images depicting the natural workings of a woman’s body are censored but not those that are intended to sexually arouse people? If still not, you’re missing out on her work.
This proud Punjabi Sikh feminist writes about South Asian identity, immigration and femininity – rising to fame after self-publishing her first book Milk And Honey. Not many poets can say they have had their first ever book released in over 30 languages. Not many poets can say they have won the Goodreads Choice Awards for Good Poetry only after releasing their second poetry book.
She began to take up her mother’s hobby of painting at the age of five – which has now led her to design all the illustrations in her book herself. As poetry was a key aspect of her faith as a Sikh woman – Sikh scripture being written in poetic verse – it is no surprise her father had the same passion.
In an interview with Vogue, she said: “There were evenings where my dad would sit around for hours, analysing a single verse for hours. I was fascinated by how five words could have so much meaning. How we could dig deeper and deeper and deeper, and still there were elements left to explore.”
The author is currently on a European tour – her biggest tour yet – and just had her last show in the UK at Albert Hall on September 26th – where she announced the release of her book ‘Healing Through Words’ for the following day. Though she has been to the UK before for shows in London, this was her first ever show in Manchester.
It is rumoured that approximately five copies also included a special message inside saying ‘I love you’ along with her signature.
During the show, Rupi gifted two people who arrived together the first copy of her new book that she claimed to have already written in for their eyes only. As they sat on the front row, Rupi noticed their constant enthusiasm and praise for her works – which deeply moved her.
This is now the writer’s fourth book and has a different style to her previous releases though certain elements of her 2014 release ‘Milk And Honey’ were used towards inspiration for her new book through the name of the chapters.
In the introduction pages, she reveals her secrets behind her work to inspire and spark creativity as she designed this book for people to feel more connected to themselves through sixty five writing exercises – an opportunity for people to explore her writing style. A suitable book for those who use writing as a form of self care.
