Gary Kokalari: Kadare is considered one of the world’s greatest living writers

Gary Kokalari

I just finished reading the recently published English translation of The Doll, by Ismail Kadare, who I consider a friend, although we haven’t crossed paths in many years. Kadare is considered one of the world’s greatest living writers, at least according to reviews in most of the major news publications, and he’s been compared to the likes of Kafka and Orwell. My Albanian friends are all very familiar with Kadare, but I suggest any of those who enjoy great works of literature to give this book a try. It’s a short read (167 pages) and large print – in my opinion, two of the most important features for a good book! The Doll is dedicated to Kadare’s mother (but may not be what you’d expect) and bears many of the influences found in his other works including his deep appreciation for the great philosophers and literary figures of history, Albanian folklore and myths (especially from his native Gjirokastra where we share ancestral roots), life in Paris, his studies at Moscow’s Gorky Institute, living under a totalitarian regime in Albania and all packaged with the aid of a soaring imagination. Oh, and I almost forgot, the introduction of condoms to communist Albania!

“In these last moments, I will try to avoid things that are difficult for you, like that matter of the darkness from which we all emerge. Or the other one, the darkest to which we are all going.” Kadare, from The Doll

If you buy this book and don’t like it, I’ll refund the purchase price (and don’t try to chisel me for a few bucks). But if you enjoy The Doll you may want to dive into his other works, especially The General of the Dead Army.