The Metamorphoses of Ishtar Volume 183

The imaginary world of Lebanese Canadian exiled poet Nadine Ltaif is rooted in the context of middle-eastern geography and mythology. Any attempt at understanding her poetic experience must be anchored in Mediterranean symbolism. The analysis of these Mediterranean symbols reveals a metaphysical process or a quest which begins with the exploration of the anguish of uprootedness and exile, reaches an emotional catharsis that desperately searches for a emotional refuge and finally leads to the emergence of a feeling of liberation and plenitude. (Antoine Sassine, Mount Royal University, Calgary, Canada)