John Chinaka Onyeche’s “25 Atonements” is a deeply personal collection of poems on grief, loss, love and fatherhood. The 25 atonements suggest a journey of repentance and reconciliation. They are introspective verses, a way for the poet to grapple with his emotions and seek solace in the face of adversity.
Central Themes of 25 Atonements
One of the central themes in the collection is the complex relationship between fathers and children. The birth of Onyeche’s daughter particularly is at the core of the collection.
In poems like “Atonement Five” and “Atonement Thirteen,” Onyeche seems to reflect on the absence of his own father and the impact it has had on his life.
“The future still looms in the horizon/As I run round the wall, wishing &/Gathering self, only to throw into this ocean/hoping the world will find me”
He struggles with feelings of abandonment, longing for connection, and the desire to break the cycle of paternal absence in his own life.
Another recurring theme is the power of love and its ability to both heal and wound. In poems like “Atonement Seven” and “Atonement Eighteen,” Onyeche celebrates the joy and wonder of fatherhood, expressing his deep love for his daughter.
However, he also acknowledges the pain and heartbreak that can accompany love, as seen in poems like “Atonement Nineteen” and “Atonement Twenty-Two,” where he speaks of romantic relationships and the scars they can leave behind.
While the collection is a primarily focused on personal experiences, there are also moments of social commentary.
In poems like “Atonement Eight” and “Atonement Nine”, Onyeche touches upon issues of colonialism, gender roles, and the search for identity in a changing world.
Writing Style
Onyeche’s writing style is characterized by its honesty and emotional intensity. He does not shy away from expressing his vulnerability, pain, and longing. His words also have a lyrical beauty that draws you in. For instance, in “Atonement Six”:
“This note starts with a sad key: heart strumming a c h e.”
“Atonement Four”:
“Grief, you’re a kin, bestriding the threshold/I know you, I know your story/—of a river holding a large whale”
The poems are filled with vivid imagery and metaphors that evoke a sense of both despair and hope, like the fish in “Atonement Four”, that falls from the sky into the speaker, seeking a home it does not realize it already has.
Overall Impression of 25 Atonements
“25 Atonements” is a moving collection of poetry that will resonate with anyone who has experienced loss, longing, and love. The poet’s ability to translate all these emotions into words dedicated to his daughter is in itself very touching.
Recommendation
25 Atonements is a must-read for poetry lovers and anyone seeking solace and understanding in the face of life’s challenges. It truly is a beautiful book. A 3.5 star rating.
