Details:

Page: 204
Format: 130 x 195 mm
Word: 47 000
ISBN: 978-9941-30-709-6

Blackbird Blackbird Blackberry

Author: Tamta Melashvili

Description:

The novel revolves around a middle-aged woman, Ethero, who lives a quiet single life in rural Georgia. Having had an abusive childhood, it is the first time when she can enjoy her independence and freedom. She likes to enjoy little quirks, nature, and life. Ethero’s peace of mind is disturbed when she has a near-death experience as she almost falls into a raging river while picking blackberries. This becomes a pivotal moment in the novel. From this moment on, Ethero is more daring and outspoken; stands up to intrusive and judgmental people in her community and begins defying conventional social norms. She starts a romantic and passionate love affair. The reader gets an insider view into her past and self through the stream-of-consciousness narrative, which is also very observant of the present. An open ending leaves the finale up to interpretation, and in a way also questions the reliability of the narrator.

Cinematic adaptation of the book, directed by Elene Naveriani, came out in 2023 and premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. The movie has claimed international success.

Quotation

“Probably the best opening line in the contemporary Georgian literature.”

Nikoloz Aleksidze, PhD, author

“I would give this novel eleven points from ten.”

Zaza Burchuladze, writer

“A work of incredible depth, intelligent and intuitive.”

Cineuropa

“… a most unusual feminist heroine, one experiencing the mischievous, rarely seen triumph of a woman coming into bloom just as those around her are beginning to fade: the last and sweetest blackberry on the bush.”

Variety

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