Dearest Friends

Welcome back to our Friday Note – our weekly collection of writerly thoughts. 

Observing

100 years ago this week, The Prophet was first published. The book is a collection of the fictitious philosophical and spiritual sermons of Almustafa as he prepares to leave the island of Orphalese after 12 years and make his long-awaited journey home. Its 26 chapters share lessons on a range of subjects including life, love, family and work.This collection of prose poetry by Lebanese poet, philosopher and artist, Kahlil Gibran, sold around 1,200 copies in its first year and went on to make Gibran one of the bestselling poets of all time, selling in excess of 10 million copies. 

Reading

Despite its popularity and universal appeal, according to this article, “The Prophet was panned by many critics in the West who thought it simplistic, naïve and lacking substance.”Read: Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet: Why is it so loved? – on the BBC. 

Writing

Think back to a time when you were navigating a big change in your life. Did you turn to a book or poem for reassurance or wisdom? What was it particularly in that writing that helped comfort or guide you?