Description
Book SynopsisA hard-hitting parable about the conflicts that have ravaged the Balkan states, by Albania's most influential novelist.
When the construction of a bridge built to link the Balkans to Europe is repeatedly and mysteriously sabotaged, an old ballad starts making the rounds at local taverns. The bards sing of a legend a woman immured in a castle wall to prevent it from falling. Some say the bridge is being damaged by local ferrymen, others blame the vengeful water spirits. But this is a town where terror and superstition reign and a solution must be reached. So it is decreed: a willing person must be plastered into the bridge
A vivid, macabre and wise novel' New York Times
Trade ReviewA vivid, macabre and wise novel * New York Times *
His ability to spin eerie parables out of a little-known national history makes his books an addictive pleasure -- Jonathan Romney * Independent on Sunday *
A compelling investigation into language and myth, politics and power, by the renowned, infinitely talented Albanian novelist * Booklist *
[Kadare] is seemingly incapable of writing a book that fails to be interesting * New York Times *
In Ismail Kadare's fictional worlds creation and destruction are entwined, and how he illuminates the human cost of their varied pairings is the source of his greatness as a writer * Chicago Tribune *
