“Every passion or wicked thought, every affliction or crime, every rebellion or catastrophe necessarily casts its shadow before it long before it manifests itself in real life.”
Mark-Alem works in the mysterious Palace of Dreams, an institution that collects and interprets the dreams of citizens to shape the fate of the nation.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the author's writing style, which I found to be very descriptive and introspective. I was able to explore the thoughts and emotions of the characters, particularly Mark-Alem, with vivid images of the setting. The author managed to create a surreal atmosphere which left me with a lingering sense of uncertainty and contemplation.
Many people have described this book as very Kafkaesque, and I tend to agree, as there are noticeable similarities in their writing styles. Both Kafka and Kadare employ a sense of surrealism and engage with themes of bureaucracy, control, and the individual's struggle against oppressive systems. Both authors are skilled at creating a sense of unease and disorientation through their narrative.
The author skillfully manages to explore several themes in just 200 pages, which I found to be really impressive. Kadare explores the theme of power and its demonstration through the Palace of Dreams. He looks at the ways in which such institutions and those in authority exercise control over individuals and society as a whole, exploring the impact of surveillance, manipulation, and the influence of dreams on political decision-making.
I loved the way Kadare explored the relationship between dreams and reality. The novel questions the nature of dreams, their interpretation, and the role they play in defining truth and destiny. It was interesting to read about the main character's thoughts on dream vs. reality, so I wish the author expounded a bit more on this particular aspect of the novel.
Overall, I thought this was an important and engaging read on the oppressive nature of authoritarian systems and the dehumanizing effects of bureaucratic control. The narrative invites readers to reflect on deeper meanings behind the surface events and explore the allegorical nature of the story.
I read this as part of my Reading The World Challenge for Albania.
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