Natural Novel

by Georgi Gospodinov

"Natural Novel is simultaneously erudite and funny a lucky combination that rarely occurs in Bulgarian books." Kapital

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1564783766
• ISBN13: 9781564783769
• Release Date: March 2005
• Publisher: Dalkey Archive Press
• Length: 136 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.0" x 8.1"
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

More Natural than Quirky

I was loaned this book by somebody presenting it as an "out-there" post modern novel featuring a stream-of-consciousness flow. While it may post-modern, and largely s.o.c (much in the style of a journal), it struck me as much more than a literary experiement. Considering the amount of 3rd person narrative and disjointed "scenes"/short stories/chapters, I found it very engaging, never lacking flow and surprisingly impactful. I can't speak to how much Bulgarian culture came through or how much credit to give the book as an example of non-western thought but there was a freshness that complemented rather than detracted from the ideas laid out in the book - depth in the mundane, coming to grips with pain, and losing one's grip on the order of things (for better or worse)

an innovative novel from a new writer

I was pleasantly surprised by this innovative, charming, smart and funny novel by this Bulgarian writer. Being from Bulgarian origin myslef, I found some portion to be particularly funny and they triggered memories of my childhood in Sofia. This speaks highly of the translation, which I believe captured well the nuances of the original language. In the novel, Mr. Gospodinov deals with many general topics facing our modern individuals in funny, clever and unique ways. I hghly recommend this novel to all and especially to those who are interested in learning about new talented writers from outside the major western countries.