Chronicle in stone”/ “Kronikë në gur” - Ismail Kadare (English Translation- Arshi Pipa )

 

"Chronicle in Stone," authored by the acclaimed Albanian writer Ismail Kadare, is a timeless piece of classic literature. Set against the tumultuous backdrop of World War II, the novel captures the life of the city of Gjirokastër as it endures repeated invasions and shifts in control between the Italian, Greek, and German armies.

Kadare masterfully weaves a tapestry of the town’s collective psyche, delving into its beliefs, superstitions, and taboos surrounding sexuality during this era. The narrative explores how war spares no one, young or old, innocent or guilty, highlighting its indiscriminate cruelty. Dark humor is a recurring device Kadare employs to depict both the events unfolding in the town and the complex emotions of its inhabitants.

The story is uniquely told through the eyes of a child, a perspective that is both dreamy and imaginative. The child vividly animates the inanimate, breathing life into the hills, cobblestone streets, clouds and even the war aircrafts . This lens of innocence presents a striking juxtaposition, revealing the brutality of war through the pure, unfiltered worldview of a child.

The book offers readers a glimpse into the everyday lives of Gjirokastër’s residents during a time of upheaval, as seen through the narrator’s rich imagination and unique perspective. Kadare’s storytelling invites us to reflect on the resilience of the human spirit amidst chaos.

If you’re captivated by stories of war, human endurance, and the interplay of innocence and conflict, "Chronicle in Stone" is a must-read.


" The world is changing blood," she said to no one in particular. " A person changes blood every four or five years, and the world every four or five hundred years. These are the winters of  blood."     - Chronicle in stone

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