Ana Kalandadze was one of the most influential female figures in modern Georgian literature.Her first published poetry in 1946, met with great success. That same year an evening devoted to the works of the 22-year-old poet was organized that brought her universal acclaim in literary circles. Nonetheless, it was only in 1953 that her first collection of poems was published. Alongside her success came criticism, namely accusations of "formalism, hopelessness and apolitical-ness". The censors removed a number of poems from her first published collection on this basis. Many of Kalandadze’s poems have been made into popular songs. Her intricate, subtle rhythms, and personal lyricism garnered much popularity. In the words of Professor Donald Rayfield:From the 700 or so poems she has now published it is now possible to extract some sort of consistent philosophy, for all the reticence and stoicism. The rare outburst of defiance never amount to more than a couple of lines in a poem and have been subtle enough not to arouse the antagonism of Soviet authority.

‘Ana’s poetry is outstanding thanks to its extraordinary lyricism, diversity of rhythm and intonation, rich vocabulary and moderately archaic style. She wonderfully combines the seemingly incompatible stylistic elements – simplicity and exaltation.’   

Ioseb Chumburidze, literary critic

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