First-time author Jessica Gopaul is hoping her book of poems can effectively deliver a message to readers – that one's past does not define one’s worth, and healing and resilience are possible.
Gopaul, 24, from Penal, launched the self-published book, Annie, in August, and told WMN her motivation for writing Annie stems from a desire to raise awareness of important issues and to empower women and girls.
The launch of Annie was marked by an online event that showcased her website, which includes an analysis of the book and her Gopaul’s biography. The event also featured a photoshoot that marked the beginning of Gopaul’s journey as an author.
The book tells a story through a series of poems about a woman called Annie who was abused at an early age by a man she considered a father. She then faces instances in her life where she is a victim of loss, loneliness, love, self-actualisation, depression and insecurities. The poems are told from different perspectives.
“The flow of the story begins with the poem The Sin; this is where Annie’s mother is a victim of rape and Annie is born. It is the origin of what society calls a 'generational curse,'
"Poems such as Demons, Teacher, and Epiphany of Tobacco describe Annie’s experiences in her childhood.
"The poem Annie is a pivotal point where Annie’s mother’s injustice gets inflicted upon Annie like a curse.
[caption id="attachment_1040212" align="alignnone" width="819"] Annie tells a story through a series of poems about a woman called Annie. - Photo courtesy Jessica Gopaul[/caption]
"One can notice steps through each poem that Annie goes through a process of self-actualisation and it is not easy, as she experiences emotional and mental turmoil to accept her past experiences, present circumstances and to realise her future. Self-Actualisation, which Annie faces, represents a concept derived from humanistic psychological theory and specifically, from the theory created by Abraham Maslow. It is where a person becomes the best version of themselves and develops an appreciation for life,” Gopaul said.
The response to Annie has been overwhelmingly positive, she said, and she was praised for her bravery in addressing such important and sensitive topics. Her alma mater, ASJA Girls’ College, Barrackpore, has been exceptionally supportive, inviting her to address students on the Day of Non-Violence and to do readings from her book on September 21.
“I grew up in a community seeing women being abused and then ridiculed by the very same community and they would get into an ensnared cycle and believe that all their life, an abused woman is the person they will be forever. It was a norm and the husbands were seen as successful men to have dominated their wives and be the man of the house.
"I also grew up hearing disturbing stories where girls are raped by the men in their households and where parents preached caution to their daughters to be safe and vigilant," Gopaul said of the reason she decided to write the book.
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