The Word So Far
Sometimes tender, sometimes angry, sometimes heartbreaking, Shagufta's poetry is a socio-political masterclass in its exploration of cities, culture, race, food and family.
- Nikesh Shukla
Novelist and Editor of The Good Immigrant
Shagufta tells vivid stories with a fearlessness that is both compelling and contagious.
- Vanessa Kisuule
City Poet Bristol
A stunning collection of poems that hold a torch up to the most fragile parts of a woman'e existence. Her considerate illumination of experience leaves you validated but aching - her narratives are important -, heart wrenching and relatable - the type of poetry you wish you had the courage to write.
- gal-dem magazine
Shagufta's poems explore the untold stories of women's lives. She offers a truth about women's experience and shines a light on ignored aspects of women's history. Her poetry is vivid, sensory, beautiful - often funny and often moving. She is a real talent and a voice that needs to be heard.
- Sian Norris
Novelist
Published by Bristol-based Burning Eye Books, Iqbal’s debut poetry collection captures the spirit, wit and power of her live performances wonderfully as she portrays the ignored and overlooked layers and struggles of women’s lives.
- B24/7
'Jam is For Girls, Girls Get Jam' voted number 3 in: Best Books of 2017
A book of raging beauty, of political purpose and stories that tie us to our humanity. It’s the kind of book I love, resplendent with dark, uncompromising imagery, and metaphors. An impressive debut.
- Joelle Taylor
Poet and Performer
A mellifluous spoken word performer, Shagufta constantly draws in her audience with her strong and innate sense of theatricality. Quietly, richly and inventively delivered, her work nevertheless can be a coruscating indictment on the modern world. Her sense of outrage, bemusement and wonder is laid bare as she deftly and nimbly explores gender and identity through her poetry.
She is one of the most talked about performers in the region – with good reason - evicting her poetry from behind the microphone and the book and moving it into naturalistic, everyday world that cuts deeply against the words she speaks.
-Sharon Clark
Literary Producer, Bristol Old Vic
Shagufta was one of my most promising students. Since leaving university she has been tirelessly working for the cause of poetry. Her writing is fresh and honest and she is dedicated to her craft.
- Lucy English
Novelist and Poet, Bath Spa University
