The Gift by Hafiz Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Gift
Book Review: Daniel Ladinsky's Disservice
Summary: 2 Stars
I have run into many translations of Hafiz, and while none of them have been revelations, none have heaped offense upon offense onto a bonfire of crap like these Ladinsky regurgitations. This book was given me by a good friend after seeing Bark's "Essential Rumi" on my shelves, a book I adore from a translator worthy of the adulation heaped upon him. I am not the purist other people are, if a rendition is good and reasonably accurate, I won't raise my voice, and I think Bark's acheives this with his fluid free verse. Ladinsky does nothing but offend. First: He made the baffling decision, never justified, of centering all of the poems, rather than using the traditional and much more readable left justification. This is a trick straight out of a high school poet's bag, and one that most tire of with age and experience. As it stands now, these translations are the bastard child of concrete poetry (done wonderfully by Apollionare) and the artlessly naive renditions of a great master by a second rate modern poet. Most likely third rate. Second: Perhaps thinking that we couldn't relate to some of the actual images in the text, Ladinsky 'updates' some of the images so that they sound better to the modern ear. However, knowing that I am reading a 14th century Sufi poet, finding the words 'veggie burger" centered obnoxiously between two other lines, is extremely jarring, and completely unjustified. At that point I had to leave the book, head in hands, grinding my teeth and cursing Ladinsky, wherever he was, of ruining a great master with the addition of his own banal philistine mind. I give two stars because once or twice real beauty emerges despite Ladinsky's attempt to kill it.Book Review: Daniel Ladinsky's Translation - A Love/Hate Relationship!
Summary: 4 Stars
This book has been my first introduction to Hafiz, so I am not sure how other translator's have handled the text, but I am absolutely captivated by the exuberance of Hafiz' relationship with God, as portrayed by Ladinsky. It almost makes me forget childhood trauma caused by thoughts of retribution from the cranky and capricious Old Testament God I was brought up with. The problem with the translation is that Mr. Ladinsky takes words and thoughts which have been universal enough to inspire humanity over several centuries ... and buttonholes them into late twentieth century terminology! Really, quite unfair! And yet...I find myself returning to this volume frequently; skipping over the bits that make me cringe and laughing with delight over the rest!Book Review: Enchanting!
Summary: 5 Stars
The poet is wildly exuberant in the close embrace of the mystical presence of God which he finds anywhere and everywhere. The presence is dizzying. He is enraptured and amazed and in love. And he tells about it, shouts about it, whispers gently and sweetly about it in contemporary, plain-talk English that knows no bounds. Daniel Ladinsky has transported Hafiz from 14th century Persia to 21st century America and we enchanted by it.Book Review: Estatic & Healing
Summary: 5 Stars
I cannot praise this inspired work enough! Ladinsky's selection of poems and translations/rendering is superb! Already I have bought five copies as gifts for friends (& a couple of copies of his book, "The Subject Tonight is Love"). Any one in need of healing, of finding their way, will appreciate this book.Book Review: Excellent translation of amazing Hafiz poetry
Summary: 5 Stars
This translation of poems by the Sufi poet Hafiz is simply brilliant. The language is so full of joie de vie and the poems offer a great depth of spirtual insight. I would highly recommend this to lovers of poetry, those interested in Sufism and spirtual seekers alike.