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Objects of Affection
Everyday objects surround us, the unconditional keepers of confessions and secrets.
They are with us in those private moments when we think we are alone, perhaps
in an abandoned stairwell or an empty lift, as we adjust our clothes, check
ourselves in the mirror, scratch an itch or allow ourselves a sigh or a sob.
What if those inanimate witnesses to silent thought and hidden emotion had
stories to tell—Of love, betrayal and hope?
They are with us in those private moments when we think we are alone, perhaps
in an abandoned stairwell or an empty lift, as we adjust our clothes, check
ourselves in the mirror, scratch an itch or allow ourselves a sigh or a sob.
What if those inanimate witnesses to silent thought and hidden emotion had
stories to tell—Of love, betrayal and hope?
- GenresPoetry
134 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2013
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153 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 16, 2013
I was drawn to the idea that inanimate objects secretly observe human lives, and they too have stories to tell. Most of the pieces discuss the darker side of love: betrayal and brokenness. It is interesting to see how people think they could pretend that there is nothing wrong, when in fact there is something that is not quite right. Other human being couldn't notice, probably too hung up about their own set of problems. But these silent observers, they take in more than they should. They see the big picture as well as the details. I guess it's true that third party observes best.
February 17, 2014
Objects of Affection – Review
I have been waiting for this e-book (Objects of Affection by Krishna Udayasankar) ever since I heard of its publication in print. After failing to get a paper copy to hold the book in my hands, turning pages and reading it the old fashioned way, I settled in for an e-book. As I tried to suppress my discontent and enjoy the book’s content, the author gave words to my own feelings in the book: “Happiness yet disappointment; a reminder of how life is good but not perfect.” Yes, it is already proving a worthy read….!
The lines continued “A testimony not only to compromise but also to its consequent acceptance, the resultant silence a sign that all was good and right and wholesome.” Just in case you were wondering what grave human predicament these words reflected, it was about a broken plate from a set of 24 plates. The author uses mundane objects around us to make profound statements about human life.
We can learn about ourselves by taking a different perspective from a fellow human being, but we can also learn equally well by taking the perspective of any object around us. Based on this premise, the author uses everyday objects (door, doormat, car, sunglasses, and so on) to offer insightful observations on human lives, interactions, and predicaments.
We rarely take into account the material world that we are surrounded by. If we take a moment, we might see the rich interactions we have and learn more about ourselves. For example, the lively interaction between the F5 key (refresh function) and the user goes like this: “The touch is release, for her and me both. I sink down as I succumb, a soft click my gasp of pleasure. Her finger remains on my surface, the pressure of her tip light but firm; loving, yet unrelenting.”
The author touches readers through her grasp on the nuances of human behavior. For example, the scar on a person’s face speaks: “With one last pass of her fingers over my forever-marred face, she moves away just a little, but still, away.” And, to complement, the author displays an exceptional understanding of the simultaneity of human emotions that make our everyday behavior possible. For example, “she fidgeted, her graceful hands clenching hard at my handle as his general indifference washed over her as anger but dimmed into dull acceptance as she made her peace with it, the way she had for years now.” As I reached the word “dimmed”, I had to turn the page and hoped for one more emotion, but the author surprised me with (at least) two additional emotions. That is at least seven emotions/characteristics discerned in one simple act that a human being performs effortlessly through a day – a countless number of times. It is such fine understanding of human emotions that makes this author’s work a great pleasure to read.
The artifacts take a major role in the author’s exposition. For example, when glasses say: “I think I fell in love with her then, and short-sighted as he was, it did not take him much longer to follow.” And, the following lines that talk about the first kiss that misted up the lenses and loosened the tiny screws of the glasses. But, more often than not, the story is that of those the artifacts observed, like the little girl’s story told by a door and a man’s story narrated by a window.
I would have preferred a more central role for the objects because stories of people are told from time immemorial. But, it is my preference and one should not judge a book by what one wanted the content to be. The author’s promise was of the stories told by everyday objects and she delivered ably on it.
To really enjoy this book and the stories of the various objects, one needs to read each story slowly, perhaps one story a day, and reflect on our being using the objects around us. But, it is more likely that you will end up like me … not being able to stop after one story because each completed story leaves you wanting more and draws you closer to the material world around us.
I have been waiting for this e-book (Objects of Affection by Krishna Udayasankar) ever since I heard of its publication in print. After failing to get a paper copy to hold the book in my hands, turning pages and reading it the old fashioned way, I settled in for an e-book. As I tried to suppress my discontent and enjoy the book’s content, the author gave words to my own feelings in the book: “Happiness yet disappointment; a reminder of how life is good but not perfect.” Yes, it is already proving a worthy read….!
The lines continued “A testimony not only to compromise but also to its consequent acceptance, the resultant silence a sign that all was good and right and wholesome.” Just in case you were wondering what grave human predicament these words reflected, it was about a broken plate from a set of 24 plates. The author uses mundane objects around us to make profound statements about human life.
We can learn about ourselves by taking a different perspective from a fellow human being, but we can also learn equally well by taking the perspective of any object around us. Based on this premise, the author uses everyday objects (door, doormat, car, sunglasses, and so on) to offer insightful observations on human lives, interactions, and predicaments.
We rarely take into account the material world that we are surrounded by. If we take a moment, we might see the rich interactions we have and learn more about ourselves. For example, the lively interaction between the F5 key (refresh function) and the user goes like this: “The touch is release, for her and me both. I sink down as I succumb, a soft click my gasp of pleasure. Her finger remains on my surface, the pressure of her tip light but firm; loving, yet unrelenting.”
The author touches readers through her grasp on the nuances of human behavior. For example, the scar on a person’s face speaks: “With one last pass of her fingers over my forever-marred face, she moves away just a little, but still, away.” And, to complement, the author displays an exceptional understanding of the simultaneity of human emotions that make our everyday behavior possible. For example, “she fidgeted, her graceful hands clenching hard at my handle as his general indifference washed over her as anger but dimmed into dull acceptance as she made her peace with it, the way she had for years now.” As I reached the word “dimmed”, I had to turn the page and hoped for one more emotion, but the author surprised me with (at least) two additional emotions. That is at least seven emotions/characteristics discerned in one simple act that a human being performs effortlessly through a day – a countless number of times. It is such fine understanding of human emotions that makes this author’s work a great pleasure to read.
The artifacts take a major role in the author’s exposition. For example, when glasses say: “I think I fell in love with her then, and short-sighted as he was, it did not take him much longer to follow.” And, the following lines that talk about the first kiss that misted up the lenses and loosened the tiny screws of the glasses. But, more often than not, the story is that of those the artifacts observed, like the little girl’s story told by a door and a man’s story narrated by a window.
I would have preferred a more central role for the objects because stories of people are told from time immemorial. But, it is my preference and one should not judge a book by what one wanted the content to be. The author’s promise was of the stories told by everyday objects and she delivered ably on it.
To really enjoy this book and the stories of the various objects, one needs to read each story slowly, perhaps one story a day, and reflect on our being using the objects around us. But, it is more likely that you will end up like me … not being able to stop after one story because each completed story leaves you wanting more and draws you closer to the material world around us.
September 11, 2019
I love this collection of poems written from the perspective of everyday objects. This goes beyond mere personification; these poems get deep into unraveling relationships and psyches, using an innocuous object as the anchor. In that sense, the objects become not only symbols but also indicators of wellness. A great little reminder about the power of even the tiniest, most "regular" items in our lives, and the latent value they hold -- whether we are aware of it or not.
December 15, 2016
Initial thoughts: I really liked the concept that tied all these poems together: each poem was from the perspective of an object that came into contact with the same man and woman who remained nameless. Objects of Affection reminded me of the idiom, "the walls have ears," except taken literally. Each of the objects witnessed moments that were related in their respective poems. Strung up together they gave rise to a grand narrative that offered glimpses into these two intertwining lives.
The individual poems were in free verse. When this form is chosen, I expect to be touched on a deeper level as pattern and regular rhythm are stripped away. That happened with a few stanzas here and there but with no one poem in its entirety. I felt like a stranger gazing from afar, detached, even though very intimate and private events were recounted.
At first I thought that this disconnect stemmed from the points-of-view of inanimate objects but that wasn't it. They were third-person narrators of sorts, so not such a foreign concept after all. No, it was the style that I couldn't fully connect with.
The individual poems were in free verse. When this form is chosen, I expect to be touched on a deeper level as pattern and regular rhythm are stripped away. That happened with a few stanzas here and there but with no one poem in its entirety. I felt like a stranger gazing from afar, detached, even though very intimate and private events were recounted.
At first I thought that this disconnect stemmed from the points-of-view of inanimate objects but that wasn't it. They were third-person narrators of sorts, so not such a foreign concept after all. No, it was the style that I couldn't fully connect with.
February 6, 2019
This was the first piece from Udayasankar I've read, and I am eager for more of her writing. The book is divided up into seemingly separate parts, but then weaves together into an artistic, lonely, silk spider web, glistening with a delicate glow in the onyx night (or so it feels like). In Objects of Affection, Udayasankar takes the perspective of non-sentient objects such as your door or your glasses, and breathes life into them. The length of the entire book makes for a delicious rainy afternoon read. After reading certain parts of it, I often found myself wondering the significance of the symbols that are our objects of affection, and what being an object of affection might mean. All in all, whether you're looking to probe your mind, or a delectably brief read, Objects of Affection is a great book to read.
TLDR: If you see it, grab it! It's like a warm cup of bittersweet cocoa on a cold evening.
TLDR: If you see it, grab it! It's like a warm cup of bittersweet cocoa on a cold evening.
March 9, 2020
I did not realise it is a collection of poems when i started reading it. i read it as i would short stories. being not really a literary person, i was surprised to realise that they were a collection of poems. it is something new to me and i enjoyed reading it.
at first, i read the 'stories' or poems, on its own until i realised when read together, or weaved in the chapters, it could be a whole story of two individuals, i mean, it is! it has to be.
i like surprises like this!
it challenges the reader to imagine as an inanimate, observing as a third 'person' of two lives. it is refreshing. it is intimate. i am not a fan of reading (having, sadly, found out along the way) about betrayal or extra marital affairs, i guess it tries to humanise the emotions involved. but i am sure if the chapters are read on its own, it could give glimpses of different meanings and experiences.
at first, i read the 'stories' or poems, on its own until i realised when read together, or weaved in the chapters, it could be a whole story of two individuals, i mean, it is! it has to be.
i like surprises like this!
it challenges the reader to imagine as an inanimate, observing as a third 'person' of two lives. it is refreshing. it is intimate. i am not a fan of reading (having, sadly, found out along the way) about betrayal or extra marital affairs, i guess it tries to humanise the emotions involved. but i am sure if the chapters are read on its own, it could give glimpses of different meanings and experiences.
November 18, 2015
3.5
// Trigger warnings in this book: self harm //
This was confusing but intriguing in this way that I have never read about before.
// Trigger warnings in this book: self harm //
This was confusing but intriguing in this way that I have never read about before.
June 19, 2022
Really well-written book. Wholeheartedly will purchase it from a bookstore. Absolutely admire Udayasankar's masterful use of words, interplaying between the cultural or symbolic references surrounding the object while it being fused with life's tragedies or lingering moments that goes unseen.
I liked that the writings are based off objects which serves it's functional purposes yet from a literary or artistic standpoint, the non-sentient beings start to embody a mind & heart of their own. It now makes me perceive them in a more delicate manner when I encounter such objects.
It's a form of catharsis too I believe. As I read through the lines, I liked that the poems are also easily open to interpretation. At least for me, it makes me think back on some past memories I've held on to for long and to let go eventually.
Some of my favourite poems:
- Scar
- Language
- Camera
- Skirt
- Photograph
- Slippers
- Teardrop
- Razor - II
- Window
I liked that the writings are based off objects which serves it's functional purposes yet from a literary or artistic standpoint, the non-sentient beings start to embody a mind & heart of their own. It now makes me perceive them in a more delicate manner when I encounter such objects.
It's a form of catharsis too I believe. As I read through the lines, I liked that the poems are also easily open to interpretation. At least for me, it makes me think back on some past memories I've held on to for long and to let go eventually.
Some of my favourite poems:
- Scar
- Language
- Camera
- Skirt
- Photograph
- Slippers
- Teardrop
- Razor - II
- Window
December 19, 2020
Everyday objects
Given a fresh breathe of life
A great read indeed
Given a fresh breathe of life
A great read indeed
September 24, 2015
In Krishna Udayasankar's debut full-length collection of poetry, "Objects of Affection," the narrators of all the works are inanimate objects, observing their owners' memories, motives, and present actions. These pieces are quite striking and deeply intriguing for normal, everyday items. Even the cover of Objects is outstanding and it's just scattered fruit loops cereal on asphalt, yet it's one of the most unexpected and gorgeous covers I ever came across. Udayasankar takes the dull and mundane items and transforms them into these beautiful and thoughtful personas who truly care for their owners and know their thoughts, wishes, and failures. They want more for their humans, but understand that it doesn't always work out that way. These objects are just so elegant and wise and they feel pain for their owner. Like in "F5" where the individual relentlessly pushes that keyboard button in hopes for of a long-awaited response:
"Her slender fingertip never spills over my beveled bounds
it runs over me in its slow, measured, yet fleeting caress. She
doesn’t touch any of the others around me the same way,
With them, her fingers are fast and insistent, descending in
confident harmony laced, on occasion, with aggression,
particularly the thumb.
Our union is set to silence, a contemplative pause the
exceptionless prelude to her touch, anticipation, the need
heightened by the promise of near fulfillment.
Sometimes her finger draws near, hovers, grazing my
upraised edges, but she takes it away. I can see her inner
struggle. I watch, not unfeeling, as she reminds herself with
all the force of emotionally-flawed reason that there were no
emails or messages but three minutes and forty-seconds
ago, and that if he did send electronic word then the
technological pigeon knew well to alert, to draw her attention
to the missive in its keeping with flashing windows and
blinking icons..."
So much careful detailed description on a simple gesture that lasts only a second. It's very measured and precise. I loved it; it took my breath away. Udayasankar packs so much in a few paragraphs. I don't ever recall seeing a poem or even prose that's this elaborate and intimate., like the following excerpt titled "Watch":
"I know her pulse. She wears me on her left hand, face inwards, flush against the skin and nerve of her wrist in a soft kiss. I feel her every thought and move, the cadence of rhythm that is her heart, the sighs, the rise and fall and strum."
It knows its owner on a level that's beyond any lover, child, or mother. It's a reliable mainstay that will observe the person through all their mistakes and triumphs. But as you read the collection, it gets more distraught and despairing. The objects witness the inner works of man, sometimes knowing more than their human counterparts. Yet they must remain silent, no matter how much they want to council their owners. It makes you wonder what your own objects would say to you, what advice they'd give, and what they want you to pay attention to. Although it would be a bit terrifying to know that an item knows more about your world and even yourself, more than you do.
You can preview more of Udayasankar's collection of poetry here and buy it at the Booksactually online store here. The Math Paper Press of Singapore seems to have gathered a strong collection of poetry that I can't wait to dive in. I'm excited to read more from them and Krishna Udayasankar. Anyone who can turn an innocuous object into a sincere, moving, and silent guardian deserves your attention, just like their publisher. Definitely be on the lookout for them.
Eileen Ramos is a Filipina-American writer with a deep, abiding love for words. This passion drives her to read, create, and absorb all she can. Let’s hope it ends well. Read more by Eileen on her blog.
"Her slender fingertip never spills over my beveled bounds
it runs over me in its slow, measured, yet fleeting caress. She
doesn’t touch any of the others around me the same way,
With them, her fingers are fast and insistent, descending in
confident harmony laced, on occasion, with aggression,
particularly the thumb.
Our union is set to silence, a contemplative pause the
exceptionless prelude to her touch, anticipation, the need
heightened by the promise of near fulfillment.
Sometimes her finger draws near, hovers, grazing my
upraised edges, but she takes it away. I can see her inner
struggle. I watch, not unfeeling, as she reminds herself with
all the force of emotionally-flawed reason that there were no
emails or messages but three minutes and forty-seconds
ago, and that if he did send electronic word then the
technological pigeon knew well to alert, to draw her attention
to the missive in its keeping with flashing windows and
blinking icons..."
So much careful detailed description on a simple gesture that lasts only a second. It's very measured and precise. I loved it; it took my breath away. Udayasankar packs so much in a few paragraphs. I don't ever recall seeing a poem or even prose that's this elaborate and intimate., like the following excerpt titled "Watch":
"I know her pulse. She wears me on her left hand, face inwards, flush against the skin and nerve of her wrist in a soft kiss. I feel her every thought and move, the cadence of rhythm that is her heart, the sighs, the rise and fall and strum."
It knows its owner on a level that's beyond any lover, child, or mother. It's a reliable mainstay that will observe the person through all their mistakes and triumphs. But as you read the collection, it gets more distraught and despairing. The objects witness the inner works of man, sometimes knowing more than their human counterparts. Yet they must remain silent, no matter how much they want to council their owners. It makes you wonder what your own objects would say to you, what advice they'd give, and what they want you to pay attention to. Although it would be a bit terrifying to know that an item knows more about your world and even yourself, more than you do.
You can preview more of Udayasankar's collection of poetry here and buy it at the Booksactually online store here. The Math Paper Press of Singapore seems to have gathered a strong collection of poetry that I can't wait to dive in. I'm excited to read more from them and Krishna Udayasankar. Anyone who can turn an innocuous object into a sincere, moving, and silent guardian deserves your attention, just like their publisher. Definitely be on the lookout for them.
Eileen Ramos is a Filipina-American writer with a deep, abiding love for words. This passion drives her to read, create, and absorb all she can. Let’s hope it ends well. Read more by Eileen on her blog.
September 18, 2016
Quirky collection of poems with a sad ring of truth, bitterness and heartbreak.
Needless to say, I loved it.
Needless to say, I loved it.
January 6, 2017
Book 2 of 2017: read on the two-hour flight from Cambodia to Singapore.
To give you an idea, one of the pieces within the book:
HAIRCLIP
He looks at me and wonders why my presence feels strange, remarkable. It's not as though the whole world can see me lying luxuriant in the palm of his hand and even if they could, why would they care.
If they did, there are many explanations possible, some of them innocent and none of them are necessary. A woman was in his car, she could have been anyone, anyone at all- colleague, friend, daughter's friend, how is he even to know every unimportant passenger and their inconsequential artifacts. But he does.
He could throw me away. Or he could keep me till he sees her again. As he puts me into his pocket, making a mental note to tuck me away into some far corner of the lowest drawer in his desk at work, I know he has made a decision.
THOUGHTS
This was the piece that I randomly flipped to and read which made me decide to buy the book. It has been a while since I've gone to a bookstore to pick up something I have no clue about and just gotten it because it seemed interesting. All the pieces in this book reads from the perspective of objects in our daily lives, such as the camera, photograph, razor and shopping cart. It's about what these objects have observed of humans and the things they see about these humans that other people might not. A really different concept and an interesting read. 2017 for me will be all about reading things that are unlike what I always seem to gravitate towards, and this was definitely a good choice.
To give you an idea, one of the pieces within the book:
HAIRCLIP
He looks at me and wonders why my presence feels strange, remarkable. It's not as though the whole world can see me lying luxuriant in the palm of his hand and even if they could, why would they care.
If they did, there are many explanations possible, some of them innocent and none of them are necessary. A woman was in his car, she could have been anyone, anyone at all- colleague, friend, daughter's friend, how is he even to know every unimportant passenger and their inconsequential artifacts. But he does.
He could throw me away. Or he could keep me till he sees her again. As he puts me into his pocket, making a mental note to tuck me away into some far corner of the lowest drawer in his desk at work, I know he has made a decision.
THOUGHTS
This was the piece that I randomly flipped to and read which made me decide to buy the book. It has been a while since I've gone to a bookstore to pick up something I have no clue about and just gotten it because it seemed interesting. All the pieces in this book reads from the perspective of objects in our daily lives, such as the camera, photograph, razor and shopping cart. It's about what these objects have observed of humans and the things they see about these humans that other people might not. A really different concept and an interesting read. 2017 for me will be all about reading things that are unlike what I always seem to gravitate towards, and this was definitely a good choice.
September 23, 2020
Prose poetry is lyrical yet narrative. Krishna weaves words with grace and her sentences exude a sensuality that only a woman has. I enjoyed how she gave life to everyday objects, confessing intimate affection. Eavesdropping on the secret lives of anonymous characters fired up my imagination. I often read with voyeuristic pleasure. After I put down the book for the last time, I noticed that certain objects are featured on the section-dividers. I have a feeling the author is trying to tell me something, a subtle hint to re-read certain stories. I picked it up again.
All in all, a delightful read!
All in all, a delightful read!
August 17, 2016
It's a collection of connected poems which describe human lives from the perspective of inanimate objects like paper, razor, etc. I am in love with Krishna Udayasankar's writing. Everything I've read by her went to my favourites list. Must read this one, even if you don't like poems.
*Self harm triggers*
Do not read if you're affected by descriptions of self harm.
*Self harm triggers*
Do not read if you're affected by descriptions of self harm.
August 5, 2013
Wonderful. Whether considered a collection of linked prose poems or a minimalist novel, Objects of Affection does a brilliant job indirectly revealing the life cycle of a marriage, from meet cute to commitment to dalliance to reconciliation. Highly recommended.
January 10, 2015
Loved the way it debunked the high flatulence of poetry by crafting heart-aching stories of everyday quotidian objects. However, this might be better if it were written entirely in prose. Still, there is a deep yearning for elucidation on what happens yonder.
October 18, 2013
Written from the perspective of objects, this collection of prose poetry is wonderfully written. The pieces are all linked and gives insight into the cycle of marriage. It's easy to read and the style of writing is accessible to anyone.
November 18, 2013
Makes me look at every inanimate object differently. A lot of the "witness accounts" are on extra-marital affairs though. Wish the experiences of the objects could be wider. Other than that, loved it!
February 9, 2019
Probably the most beautifully written book I've ever read. I was fascinated by the idea at first, but fell in love with the writing in a way I never thought I would. I'm never read a book twice, but I plan to read this one yearly.
January 25, 2014
I love how normal objects are given a life of their own in this book...
JUST LOVE THIS WHOLE IDEA <3
JUST LOVE THIS WHOLE IDEA <3
October 4, 2016
Sexy...
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews