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| Translator | Lisa C Hayden |
| First Written | 2015 |
| Genre | Fiction |
| Origin | Russia |
| Publisher | Oneworld Publications |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1780748719 |
| My Copy | paperback |
| First Read | January 09, 2019 |
Laurus
Recommended to me by Josh, this was so stupidly up-my-alley. A modern novel set in medieval Russia, starring a holy fool who travels across the known world. It's fun! There's a theme about compression or slippage of time, and the writer (and translator) spend a lot mixing of old and knew language: archaic and 21st century: 'The olde bodye layd stille, and like, you know, smelt bad.'
Noted on January 11, 2019
The last act is so predictable - in that the hero must return home and re-enact the beginning - but was so beautiful! I wasn’t sure how it was going to work, but it was completely lovely. A+.
Noted on January 14, 2019
You know, I have a favor to ask, too. When I leave my body, do not be very ceremonious with it, for I have, after all, synned with it. Tie a rope to the legs and drag it into the swampy wilds for the animals and vipers to tear to pieces. That's basically it.
Quoted on January 14, 2019
When Diogenes was asked how to live with the truth, he answered: Do as with fyre: do not go so exceedyngely close that it will burn, but do not go so farre away or the colde will reache you.
Quoted on January 11, 2019
Russians are not as gloomy as you seemed to think, after all, Arseny told Ambrogio. Sometimes they are in a good mood. After a horde leaves, for example.
Quoted on January 11, 2019
Your body has become unsuitable, prepare to leave it; know that this shell is imperfect.
Quoted on January 11, 2019