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brisingr's review against another edition
4.0
This book was a pick for our Eastern European literature book club. If you'd like to diversify your reading alongside us, please join us! https://www.instagram.com/kultbookclub/
If you ever wondered what studying at the School of Philology in an ex-soviet/communist country is like, this book is the answer: just pure vibes, utterly severe incomprehensible teachers, and an obsession with grammar, stupidly long train journeys and terrible living conditions. I did not think that a novel about a magical school set in early 2000s Ukraine would be as captivating as it ended up being: in its familiarity, all throughout.
I admit I, even Eastern European myself, am just as guilty in my ignorance of books from the area. But oh, it does feel absolutely divine to read books that are so familiar to the mapping of my soul, from the way these people are vacationing, to Gaudeamus igitur as the school's anthem, all the way to the phrasing of the dialogue, which may sound choppy in English, but is so utterly recognizable because we all say it the same: "Close your mouth when I am talking." / "What do you want? What? Just let me die! All of you, let me die!"
I am left with a thousand more questions now that I finished this volume than when I started it, and I am fearful that I won't see a translation of the continuation any time soon. But what I do know is that, despite my expectations and the headache-inducing minuscule font, I somewhat enjoyed myself reading this. I loved the oh so familiar, communist and severe approach of the teachers, the absolute stubbornness of the main character, and the running plot and magic system that is yet to be explained, but I can already tell is so studied, and is in its own, an elegy to how I learnt language and the power of the word.
I have no idea how we are supposed to talk about this book, couldn't explain it if I tried. Literally vibes. UBB Cluj wishes it fucked this hard.
If you ever wondered what studying at the School of Philology in an ex-soviet/communist country is like, this book is the answer: just pure vibes, utterly severe incomprehensible teachers, and an obsession with grammar, stupidly long train journeys and terrible living conditions. I did not think that a novel about a magical school set in early 2000s Ukraine would be as captivating as it ended up being: in its familiarity, all throughout.
I admit I, even Eastern European myself, am just as guilty in my ignorance of books from the area. But oh, it does feel absolutely divine to read books that are so familiar to the mapping of my soul, from the way these people are vacationing, to Gaudeamus igitur as the school's anthem, all the way to the phrasing of the dialogue, which may sound choppy in English, but is so utterly recognizable because we all say it the same: "Close your mouth when I am talking." / "What do you want? What? Just let me die! All of you, let me die!"
I am left with a thousand more questions now that I finished this volume than when I started it, and I am fearful that I won't see a translation of the continuation any time soon. But what I do know is that, despite my expectations and the headache-inducing minuscule font, I somewhat enjoyed myself reading this. I loved the oh so familiar, communist and severe approach of the teachers, the absolute stubbornness of the main character, and the running plot and magic system that is yet to be explained, but I can already tell is so studied, and is in its own, an elegy to how I learnt language and the power of the word.
I have no idea how we are supposed to talk about this book, couldn't explain it if I tried. Literally vibes. UBB Cluj wishes it fucked this hard.
yulie's review against another edition
5.0
One of my favourite reads in a very long time. It's not often that a book has such a transformative effect on me, and it's been simmering in my head ever since I finished it. I can't wait until the other books are translated -- I feel like I want to read nothing else (although it should be noted that the book still works wonderfully as a standalone).
The (excellent) translation really lent itself to the abstract, unique quality of the story, and while at first I thought the writing disjointed, I soon found that it paired perfectly with the themes. Everything is written so frankly and surprisingly clearly despite the complexity of the ideas being tackled, and the philosophical and transformational aspects of the story were absolutely stunning. There is a lot to unpack in here, but the pay-off is immense.
I really hope this book finds a ton more success following its translation to English, because it's such a unique, mind-bending book that has surprising insight into Self. I want to devour more of it, and I only wish I could have read it in its original language, unfiltered.
The (excellent) translation really lent itself to the abstract, unique quality of the story, and while at first I thought the writing disjointed, I soon found that it paired perfectly with the themes. Everything is written so frankly and surprisingly clearly despite the complexity of the ideas being tackled, and the philosophical and transformational aspects of the story were absolutely stunning. There is a lot to unpack in here, but the pay-off is immense.
I really hope this book finds a ton more success following its translation to English, because it's such a unique, mind-bending book that has surprising insight into Self. I want to devour more of it, and I only wish I could have read it in its original language, unfiltered.
aducharme4's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
olbap's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
scramuel058's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror
Minor: Abortion
altheanstar's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
lsiegull's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
youngthespian42's review against another edition
4.0
This book is so weird and dark and interesting. I really love the Russian setting and take on the "Hogwarts" type story. The magic system in this book is buck wild but as someone who loves semiotics, I am all about it. While this is set in a teenage/ college school setting there is nothing YA or tropey "coming of age" about this story. If you do not like complicated magic systems or complicated messing with time I would not recommend this book for you. I am here for all of it.