Great question Clarice and I'll try to reply as succinctly as possible. I'm only reading him in translation as my Albanian is not good enough to read the original. However, it's evident that he has a clarity of style and structure, which makes his often complex ideas very accessible. His ability to weave myth, allegory and history into compelling contemporary stories is something I really admire. In books like 'Broken April' and 'Palace of Dreams' he handles difficult and potentially controversial material (especially in the repressive system he worked within) with skill and aplomb. As Albania opens up, I hope he will become better known and more widely read.
Interesting. I have never heard of Kadare before. What about him and his work speaks to you in particular, Allan?
Great question Clarice and I'll try to reply as succinctly as possible. I'm only reading him in translation as my Albanian is not good enough to read the original. However, it's evident that he has a clarity of style and structure, which makes his often complex ideas very accessible. His ability to weave myth, allegory and history into compelling contemporary stories is something I really admire. In books like 'Broken April' and 'Palace of Dreams' he handles difficult and potentially controversial material (especially in the repressive system he worked within) with skill and aplomb. As Albania opens up, I hope he will become better known and more widely read.
You make him sound really interesting. I will have to check him out!