Look We Have Coming to Dover is a collection of poems by Daljit Nagra that explores the realities of multiculturalism in Britain. Nagra utilizes the experiences of his family as a first and second generation of immigrants who migrated from India. Through the collection, the author narrates inspirational stories of integration, racial tension, isolation, and redemption.
A unique perspective is offered to the reader on the different sets of values upheld in their native land and the new land of opportunities. Nagra does not conceal his minority status in any way as he flaunts it proudly in every word he conjures. The collection is rich in culture, complex in nature, and poetically sharp and precise.
While the collection covers polarizing topics, it does not come off as overtly political. The poems possess a human nature that connects to readers of all races in a deep and concise manner. Nagra does not abandon his native form of speech and strictly stays away from sounding too British.
He implements his native language in an attempt to connect to the plight of Indians living in Britain. The writing is irreverent and exuberant as he juggles diverse voices. Nagra abandons the stuffy nature of poetry and settles for a more accurate and indulging form of poetry writing.
Look We Have Coming to Dover exceptionally finds a balance between humor and assertive commentary on social and racial issues in the world. Through his diverse range of characters, Nagra explores love, grief, hope, marriage, fatherhood, and prejudice, always maintaining a captivating aspect of his complex writing. By sticking to his roots, Nagra offers an immersive depiction of human emotion that would have been lost had he abandoned his native language completely.
