Description: A Dictator CallsBy Ismail Kadare Title: Writers Under Tyranny: The Story of Boris Pasternak and Joseph Stalin's Phone CallIntroduction:The relationship between writers and tyranny has long been a subject of fascination and exploration. In his thought-provoking novel, Albanian author Ismail Kadare delves into this complex dynamic by reconstructing a tense and mysterious moment in modern history. Kadare brings to light the intriguing telephone conversation between the renowned Soviet poet Boris Pasternak and the infamous Soviet dictator, Joseph Stalin. This conversation, lasting a mere three minutes, takes place in June 1934 amidst the backdrop of the arrest of another respected poet, Osip Mandelstam. Here, within the intricate web of dreams and factual accounts, Kadare sheds light on the wider power structures and the relationship between writers and tyranny.Development:Within this gripping narrative, Kadare weaves together the perspectives of witnesses, reporters, and fellow writers like Isaiah Berlin and Anna Akhmatova, providing a multi-dimensional understanding of the events. Drawing from historical records and testimonies, the author immerses readers in the solemn atmosphere surrounding the exchange between Pasternak and Stalin. As one of Europe's most renowned contemporary novelists, Kadare employs his own experiences writing under the oppression of a dictatorship, allowing readers to comprehend the eerie parallels between these disparate moments in history.Stalin's call to Pasternak bears witness to the control and manipulation exerted by tyrannical regimes over creative individuals. The conversation becomes a metaphorical examination of the complex power dynamics between writers and dictators. Pasternak, torn between loyalty to his fellow poet and fear of reprisal from Stalin, experiences a moral dilemma emblematic of the struggles faced by artists under oppressive authoritarian rule. Kadare masterfully captures the tension in those three minutes, portraying the weight of each word exchanged and the lasting impact it leaves on the individuals involved.The parallels between Kadare's own experiences and the events unfolding in the novel are striking. The unexpected phone call Kadare himself received whilst living under a dictatorship serves as a poignant thread connecting the two narratives. By incorporating his own encounter with tyranny into the story, Kadare underscores the universal nature of the writer's predicament and the shared anxieties that accompany artistic expression in such repressive environments.Kadare's exploration of this historical event provides a profound meditation on power and political structures. It enables readers to contemplate the complicity of writers within tyrannical regimes and the delicate balance they must strike between artistic integrity and self-preservation. By examining the mechanisms employed by dictators to control the narrative and silence dissent, Kadare emphasizes the importance of the written word as a powerful tool of resistance and liberation.Conclusion:In his novel, Ismail Kadare takes readers on a thought-provoking journey through the relationship between writers and tyranny. Through the lens of the telephone conversation between Boris Pasternak and Joseph Stalin, Kadare skillfully exposes the intricate dynamics inherent in a creative mind existing within the confines of a repressive regime. Amidst the tantalizing blend of dreams and factual accounts, Kadare draws parallels with his own experiences, reminding readers of the enduring struggles faced by artists under oppressive rule. Writers Under Tyranny serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of literature and the enduring spirit of those who dare to speak truth to power. Notice: The displayed image is a symbolic representation of the book, The actual book cover image may differ. ( Why? Sometimes publishers change the cover image with reprints, we have thousands of listings, it is practically impossible to keep track of all those changes.) Book Information:ISBN 13: 9781787303638Publisher: Harvill SeckerYear: 2023Format: Hardcover Author:Ismail Kadare is a highly acclaimed Albanian novelist and poet who has gained worldwide recognition for his literary works. With translations of his novels available in over forty countries, Kadare has become one of Albania's most prominent literary figures.Born in Gjirokastër, Albania in 1936, Kadare displayed a talent for writing from a young age. He studied at the University of Tirana, where he pursued his passion for literature and graduated with a degree in history and philology. His profound understanding of history and his keen observation of human nature are evident in his writings.Kadare's literary accomplishments have been duly recognized and rewarded. In 2005, he was honored with the inaugural Man Booker International Prize, which is given to authors for their significant contributions to literature. The Jerusalem Prize was bestowed upon him in 2015, followed by the Park Kyong-ni Prize in 2019 and the Neustadt Prize in 2020. These prestigious awards not only symbolize Kadare's exceptional talent but also demonstrate the universal appeal and impact of his works.Throughout his career, Kadare has explored various themes, including politics, history, and personal identity, often using his writing as a means of commenting on societal issues. His novels offer profound insights into the human condition while also providing a unique perspective on Albania's history and culture.Ismail Kadare's literary prowess, coupled with his ability to transcend linguistic and cultural boundaries, has firmly established him as a significant literary figure on the global stage. As readers continue to be captivated by his works, Kadare's legacy as Albania's best-known novelist and poet continues to thrive.Shipping Shipping service:We strive to provide the best possible methods of shipping for your book, so that you buy from us without worrying about shipping time, extra charges, delays or any other hassles. US Shipping: Shipments to US lower 48 states will be shipped from our distribution point in US via USPS media mail / other domestic couriers with valid tracking information. UK Shipping: Shipments to UK are dispatched from India via couriers like Aramex, DHL etc. Australia Shipping: Shipments to A+NZ are dispatched from India via India Post, and couriers like Aramex, DHL etc. Larger shipments weighing around 20 pounds or more will be shipped directly from India via expedited mode. Shipments to all other countries will be shipped from our warehouse in India with valid tracking information.Delivery time: US delivery takes around 2-10 days. 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Author: Ismail Kadare
Book Title: A Dictator Calls
Language: English
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Harvill Secker
Original Language: English
Publication Year: 2023
Number of Pages: 224
Unit Quantity: 1