Portrait of the Alcoholic

"Portrait of the Alcoholic" is a collection of striking poetry that reflects on the intense nature of addiction, spirituality, and Islam. Through Kaveh Akbar's unique voice, readers will be entranced by the desperation and danger infused in each poem, illustrating how a search for a material solution for a spiritual problem can take hold. Despite the unconventional approach to prayer and poetry, Akbar deftly uses language to elevate the collection to fevered registers of desperation with which many readers can identify. This work is a must-read for those yearning for frank and introspective poetry that pushes the boundaries of personal identity.