Jamilia

by Chingiz Aitmatov

Book Overview

"The most beautiful love story in the world."--Louis Aragon The Second World War is raging, and Jamilia's husband is off fighting at the front. Accompanied by Daniyar, a sullen newcomer who was... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1846590329
• ISBN13: 9781846590320
• Release Date: January 2008
• Publisher: Telegram Books
• Length: 196 Pages
• Weight: 0.24 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 4.9" x 7.6"

Customer Reviews

The Greatest Kyrgyz Writer

The Kyrgyz protests today inevitably make us want to read Aitmatov. The clashes in Bishkek and several other cities are more desperate and violent than 5 years ago. The Tulip Revolution of 2005 toppled the government. Bakaev came to power with the promise of democratic reform, economic development, an end to the nepotism of the previous regime and a crackdown on corruption. But he failed to deliver on any of those goals, appointed his family to numerous positions, renewed his term with the recent fraudulent election and arrested opposition leaders. Step back from the chaos of today by reading the many novels and stories of Chingiz Aitmatov. The preeminent Kyrgyz author was born in the foothills of the Tien Shan mountains, the setting for "Tales of the Mountains and Steppes." Local ancient lore underlies his tales even as he sensitively observes the clash of modern problems against the overarching patriarchal brutality and sexism (in bride-kidnapping and other surviving traditions). One can hope more of his books will be reissued as Kyrgyzstan gains geopolitical prominence. "Jamilla" is a spare early work revealing the purity of his voice.

A haunting romance

More a novella than a novel, Atamtov's lyrical prose provides a picture of a little known corner of the world. Beautiful descriptions and profound character development make this a story you'll never forget.

Emotional Tour-de-force

This book is short enough to be read in one sitting, maybe in two or three hours. But those two hours will be a whirlwind of emotion. I strongly recommend this book to anyone with any familiarity with Central Asia or the Caucasus. Set in early Soviet times, it follows the story of Jamilia, as seen through her younger brother-in-law's eyes. It has easily the most heart-rending happy ending you're ever going to find. For good reason did Louis Aragon call this 'the most beautiful love story in the world.'