A novel of the complex Albanian clan system. Sometimes you have to concentrate on the character names, but otherwise a really good read.

New INTL bookray.

INTERIM LINE-UP

1. Jubby (australia)
2. ChiBoiler (usa)
3. lauraloo29 (can)
4. lucy-lemon (Wales)
5. Caroley (uk)
----6. mucker28 (uk)-- uncontactable, Caroley to send to wanderingstar8
7. wanderingstar8 (uk)
8. fushmush (uk)
9. garibaldisghost (uk)
10. jellyfish67 (uk)
-- Book appears to be lost at this point -----

Received in the post today.
Thank you.

This book was a real eye-opener for me.

Sure, I'd heard of Albania, and I would be able to wave my hand vaguely over the map, indicating its general location, but I had absolutely no idea about their society, culture, history or literature.

So, upon completion of reading the novel, I got busy and did a bit of googling to learn how much of the story is fact or the creation of Kadare's imagination.

It appears that virtually all of the story is factual!
Although I was unable to learn if Kadare honeymooned on the Plateau himself (with his wife, who is also a writer), I did learn that he was indeed a writer who researched into the Kanun and the past history of his country as a writer. Using the history of his country Kadare has created stories that show how the past affects the present, while expressing a desire to modernise his country's feudal customs and traditions.

Writing and existing under a Communist dictatorship saw him in trouble several times, but what was amazing, he was able to write and create novels that allowed him to express a taciturn view of Albania's bloody history and present situation to his countrymen and the rest of the world (through the translations of his works).

Brief Kadare biography

The Kanun which is the subject of this book is a rather Draconian set of rules created 600 years ago that are not recorded. Bloody and barbaric, to say the least, it appears that sadly the Northern Albanians have
reverted back to using them after the collapse of the Communist government in 1991.

What I did find fascinating in my later reading, were the stories of The last sworn virgins. These are the women who effectively fill the role of kinsmen, after they've all been killed.

This was a thought provoking and sensational read - for me. And, I appreciate your sharing this book with us all davemurray101.

I notice on the back that this book was purchased from a Children's Bookshop. I can't imagine that this would be a very popular childrens read, with a fair bit of detail and reserved characters. But, obviously one that would lead to much discussion and empathy - as even children are affected (and sadly killed) under the current Kanun in Albania.

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Posted to ChiBoiler last week.

I received this book while I was away for the holiday. I will get to it shortly. Thanks davemurray101 for starting this ring and jubby for passing it on!

It was amazing to me how easy of a read this book was given it's strange (to me) topic. A bit disturbing that this actually happens - cally-c, your notes above were fascinating reading! Hard to believe that after hundreds of years, this madness continues!

Thanks, davemurray101 for including me in this ring. Another one off of the 1001 list!

I have the address of the next reader. I will pass the book on asap (but we are having some wild winter weather here in Chicago. I have to walk to the post office and I tend to not be very coordinated in 10 inches of snow - so it will most likely go out on Monday).

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Mailed the book out at lunch - Happy reading!

Arrived safe and sound. I have a few rings here. Not to worry. I will keep them moving. :)

A sad difficult read. Not one I would normally have picked up. Yet, I'm glad I read it. Amazing that this is based on fact. That people actually consider these important beliefs. Amazing.

I already have the next address. This book will be heading across the Atlantic this weekend.

Arrived yesterday, thanks. Looks a good read!

5th March

I finished this yesterday, and still haven't quite decided what I thought about it. I spent quite a large chunk of my afternoon reading information about the kanun, and find it really hard to believe how long the system continued for! I really empathised with the character of Diana, and think it would have been great to hear more about her and Bessian. But, on the other hand, I think Broken April was the perfect length. Thank you so much for sharing!

BTW, I noticed mucker28 is on the list - I think she's left bookcrossing, or at least she's in possession of a couple of stalled rings.

Received today, thanks Lucy.

I've a couple more rings to read first but then I'll get onto this one asap.

This was excellent! A very compelling read, I didn't want to put it down until it was finished. Even then, I had to google 'Kanun' to find out more about it. It's one of those books that stays with you for a while leaving you wanting to know more.

Thanks for sharing Dave, you do have a knack for finding some of the gems on the 1001 list.

Have PMd Wanderingstar8 for an address and will post on asap.

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Posted today, second class.

Thanks for sending - I'm looking forward to reading it.

Very interesting, and thanks to jubby for your research.

I thought the best part of this book was the first two chapters, where Gjorg is thinking about his fate, and dithers about whether he would prefer to stay alive but live outside the rules of the blood feud, or whether a "fitting" death and a vivid, short life are better. There was a real sense of inevitability as well as the grim pointlessness of the blood-feud code. I was really shocked when it turned out that the feud could have been ended at any time if the family of the most recent victim had accepted blood money instead of demanding another death - particularly given the marginality of the way it started. But once we moved onto the young couple and all the different people with different views of the system I thought the book got bogged down a bit. I would have preferred to spend the thirty days with Gjorg experiencing his doubts and confusion.

Received safely today, ta - this looks fascinating and isn't too long so I should hopefully get it moving on quite soon.

This is a fascinating and very unusual story which alas at times I found a bit disjointed - perhaps this is because it's translated.

However, this is yet another book that I can honestly say I would never have thought about reading were it not for Bookcrossing.

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Popped in the post to the next one on the list - enjoy!

Arrived safely yesterday.

Now on its way to the next reader, apologies for the delay. Hope you enjoy it.

Safely received with thanks. I've enjoyed my Kadare so far, so I hope this will turn out a good read as well.