Shop Ireland

General of the Dead Army by: Ismail Kadare by: David Smiley, Derek Coltman

Click to tell a friend about this item...

More Product Details...

Review Pages: 1 2 Next »

Click here to add a review!

Average rating -

Rating: - Bleak, but gripping

I read the Quartet Books edition of this book which has a preface by David Smiley, an SOE operative in Albania during WW2. He usefully points out where Kadare's text glosses over the complexities of the war in Albania. Invaded in 1939 by the Italians, possibly as a springboard to invade Greece, it was later (when the Italians had been thrown back into Albania) simultaneously occupied by the Germans, a situation made even more complex when Italy capitulated and joined the Allies in the summer of 1943. Both before and after the Italian volte face the various factions (collaborators, monarchists, Communists, partisans, SOE operatives) waged a confusing war in unforgiving terrain. That said, Kadare was writing under difficult circumstances, and the book is gripping. Written between 1962-1966 it is a bleak picture of the futility of war. Since 1994 I have visited Albania a number of times, both independently and with guided tours, and I find the country fascinating. TGOTDA was my first Kadare novel; it won't be my last.

Rating: - An important book.

Kadaré's book takes us on a journey through the Albanian landscape, and through the mind of an Italian general, who has come to Albania to collect the remains of his country's soldier from the second world war. This plot allows for a lot of deep thoughts and emotions, which Kadaré examines properly. Through glimpses into the minds of Italian soldiers during the war he also delivers comments on the pointlessness of war, the loss of identity, and many other topics which could have been explored more. But that is left to the reader, and the philosophical reader may remain with these questions at hand long after finishing the book. A very moving book, and an author I simply must explore further.

Rating: - This is one of the most important books of Kadare.

It is based in a real story happened during the 2nd World war. Kadare has reported it very realistically. Everyone can clearily and easily understand it. Albania is proud of having such a precious representative in the books' world.

Rating: - EXCELLENT< SPECTACULAR JOB

This is the best novel written from Kadare. The story is so original, the style so breathtaking and the characters so interesting yet so real. Kadare is the ALBANIAN GENIUS. BRAVO!

Rating: - Depth that makes it literature and not just a story

Kadare, in my opinion, is one of the greats in literature. This story is a classic example of deep meaning intertwined in the simple story of a general gathering his dead comrades from the mountains of Albania. Few can match the subtle messages Kadare gives in his storie. Well done.

Review Pages: 1 2 Next »