title: The Doll by: Kadare, Ismail published: 2020-01-23 read: 2020-08 preview

In this book, an English translation of which I read, Kadare mixes fiction with memoir. It’s normal to write about one’s parents, right? Which author didn’t. But perhaps somewhat remarkable that Kadare did it so late in his career. He himself serves as both narrator and protagonist, talking about his youth, his literary ambitions, and the ways his mother’s presence and absence shaped his life. And yes, the difficult relationship between a mother and her son is central in the story. In this case, in an Albania that undergoes strong political changes, this is also supported by generational, cultural, political gaps.

The doll, of course, is the mother, the main character of the book, fragile, hating the wonderful house her husband brings her to, and being remarkedly absent in the story.  People live, people die, but the doll is always there, and never there. 

And thus, the title is perfect.

I liked the book.