A review by jgwc54e5
Solo Viola: A Post-Exotic Novel by Antoine Volodine

4.0

A powerful novella about a mixture of characters from just released prisoners, to circus performers, writers and a string quartet all living under the rule of an authoritarian government and their military heavies. First published in French in 1991, this translation reads as very current and applicable to various places around the world. The leader of the Frondists in the novella is typically buffoonish and interchangeable with his henchmen, willing to use racism to mobilise the masses. It’s quite an indictment on the behaviour of people in crowds and the need to chant stupid insulting slogans.
I was drawn into the story from the start and found it a quick, thoughtful and thought provoking read.