I love those chance moments when I stumble upon treasure. That’s what happened for me with Elizabeth Kostova’s The Shadowland. The novel was a random grocery store sale purchase, by my husband (because he loves me and supports my book habit). Until this book, I didn’t know about this expert storyteller’s work. From the introductory poem to the very last page, I clung to Kostova’s words, lost in a foreign world of beautiful scenery, intriguing characters and political suspense. I found Kostova’s writing not only engaging, but also refreshingly poetic in style and language.
The novel begins with both the reader and a young American woman, Alexandra Boyd, encountering the city of Sofia, Bulgaria. Tired and groggy from her journey, Alexandra tries to orient herself in the foreign city, and find commonality and security in human connection. In her brief point of contact with a bereaved Bulgarian family, her original plans are upended and her journey deep into the history of the Bulgarian people begins.
Kostova makes clear, in her author’s note at the end of the novel, that the text and its characters are entirely fiction. However, her expertise in Bulgaria and its history offers readers insight into this ancient, post-communist country. Alongside Alexandra, readers learn the heartaches and tragedies the people of Bulgaria have suffered. This novel offers more than a compelling thrill ride, it brings history to life and shines light on an unfamiliar country. And it honors the quiet dignity, strength and courage of people forced to endure grave injustices. Beautiful and inspiring, this novel is well worth the read.
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