The Successor
8 journalers for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by blackwidow1971 from Southampton, Hampshire United Kingdom on Saturday, May 14, 2011
The Successor (heir apparent to Albania's current leader) is found dead one morning - did he commit suicide, or was he murdered? And why?
Each of the 3 novels by Kadare I've read has been completely different and this was a sort of political thriller. I was really gripped two thirds of the way through, desperate to know whodunnit, but was not that keen on the final chapter, which was very weird and infuriatingly didn't tie up all the loose ends (I'm afraid that says more about me than about the novel).
This is a double translation - someone translated the Albanian original into French and this English language version is a translation of the French (which struck me as odd, but according to the blurb, that's the way most of Kadare's books have come to us).
Each of the 3 novels by Kadare I've read has been completely different and this was a sort of political thriller. I was really gripped two thirds of the way through, desperate to know whodunnit, but was not that keen on the final chapter, which was very weird and infuriatingly didn't tie up all the loose ends (I'm afraid that says more about me than about the novel).
This is a double translation - someone translated the Albanian original into French and this English language version is a translation of the French (which struck me as odd, but according to the blurb, that's the way most of Kadare's books have come to us).
Sending on to LameLemon as part of the 1001 Euro VBB.
Arrived safely, thanks a lot, blackwidow1971. :) I'm sure I'll enjoy this one and hope to have it ready for the next round, if it'll be one.
Far more than a murder mystery, "The Successor" turned out to provide everything from struggle under communism and dictatorship to Albanian folklore and universal myths. I never hoped to actually get what was going on, but it was a fast, intriguing and more profound read than I expected. Some themes were common to the other Kadare novel I read ("Amurgul zeilor stepei", in Romanian, which in English would translate to "The Twilight of the Steppe Gods"), but the rendition is under a wholly different voice.
This marks my 90th read from the combined 1001 list. It's been sitting on my TBR shelf for almost a year, so now it's itching to continue its travels!
This marks my 90th read from the combined 1001 list. It's been sitting on my TBR shelf for almost a year, so now it's itching to continue its travels!
Picked by katrinat from the EURO 1001 VBB, soon to travel.
Off to katrinat, chosen from the Euro 1001 VBB. Happy Reading and good luck with your 1001 challenge!
This arrived ages ago, I'm really sorry I didn't journal it no idea how I forgot to do it. Sorry
I was completely surprised by this book, I thought Kadare was a woman, I didn't read the blurb so I really wasn't't expecting a murder mystery and I wasn't expecting an unresolved story.
A but to fast and political for me. I' going to try and start a Book ray for this so it keeps moving, thanks for sharing.
A but to fast and political for me. I' going to try and start a Book ray for this so it keeps moving, thanks for sharing.
Bookray - postage order:
kingfan30 - UK/EU postage
Tizzalicious - The Netherlands/EU postage
GronnLivsstil- Norway/EU postage
Tuttasb - Norway/EU postage
sedna5213 - Germany/INTL postage
mepwave - Isreal/INTL
kingfan30 - UK/EU postage
Tizzalicious - The Netherlands/EU postage
GronnLivsstil- Norway/EU postage
Tuttasb - Norway/EU postage
sedna5213 - Germany/INTL postage
mepwave - Isreal/INTL
Journal Entry 10 by kingfan30 at Corby Glen, Lincolnshire United Kingdom on Friday, October 17, 2014
Book has arrived safe and sound, will get to it as soon as I can
22 Oct 14 - An interesting book in some respects, but I could not get my head around the Albanian politics. I liked the idea of the way the story was put together but actually the ending was quit obvious.
I have contacted the next in line, just waiting for a reply
22 Oct 14 - An interesting book in some respects, but I could not get my head around the Albanian politics. I liked the idea of the way the story was put together but actually the ending was quit obvious.
I have contacted the next in line, just waiting for a reply
Sent on to the next in line
Just got this in the mail! Thanks so much! I will read it soon so I can keep the ring going fast :)
Off to Norway by mail! :)
Got it in the mail today and I'll read it as soon as I finish another book.
Finished it a few days ago, just forgot to journal it. Found the book a bit confusing at times, considering the different narratives (the switch between them).
I've sent a PM to the next in line, so hopefully it will travel soon.
I've sent a PM to the next in line, so hopefully it will travel soon.
Sent to sedna5213, as tuttasb wanted to be skipped.
The book arrived safely! Thanks a lot GronnLivsstil for sending it! It took its time to get here...
Very interesting book. Can't imagine how life must have been under such an oppresive leader. Even now I hardly know anything about Albania (although I've been there on a short visit).
Very interesting book. Can't imagine how life must have been under such an oppresive leader. Even now I hardly know anything about Albania (although I've been there on a short visit).
The book is on its way to mepwave.
The book arrived safely! I am looking forward to reading it. If no more people join the ray then I may pass the book along to a friend whom I am trying to get into bookcrossing!
