Description
Book SynopsisThe definitive English language translation of the internationally bestselling Russian novel a brilliant dark fantasy combining psychological suspense, enchantment, and terror that makes us consider human existence in a fresh and provocative way.A book that has the potential to become a modern classic.' Lev Grossman, bestselling author of The MagiciansOur life is brief . . .Sasha Samokhina has just met Farit Kozhenikov and her life will never be the same again.Whilst on holiday, Sasha is asked by the mysterious Farit to undertake a strange task for him. Reluctantly, she obliges, and is rewarded with a shining golden coin. The more tasks she performs, the more coins Sasha receives until Farit instructs her against the wishes of her family to travel to a remote village and use her gold to gain entrance to the Institute of Special Technologies.Sasha quickly discovers this is no ordinary school. The books are impossible to read, the lessons obscure to the point of maddening, and the kn
Trade Review‘A dazzling display of Russian magical realism’
Daily Mail
‘I first encountered VITA NOSTRA in 2009, and then, as now, I was stunned by what I read – not just by the story, which was a revelation to me in itself, but also by the vividness and fluency and power of Hersey's translation. VITA NOSTRA has become a powerful influence on my own writing. It's a book that has the potential to become a modern classic of its genre, and I couldn’t be more excited to see it get the global audience in English it so richly deserves’
Lev Grossman, New York Times bestselling author of THE MAGICIANS