The Pyramid (Kadare novel)
US first edition cover | |
Author | Ismail Kadare |
---|---|
Translator | Joseph Vrioni & David Bellos |
Country | Albania |
Language | Albanian |
Genre | Novel, Fiction |
Publisher | Arcade Publishing (USA) & Harvill Press (UK) |
Publication date | 1 February 1996 |
Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
Pages | 224 p. (hardback edition) |
ISBN | 1-55970-314-8 (US hardback edition) & ISBN 1-86046-123-9 (UK hardback edition) |
OCLC | 32429764 |
891/.9913 20 | |
LC Class | PG9621.K3 P5813 1996 |
The Pyramid is a 1995 novel written by Ismail Kadare, considered one of the greatest works produced by this writer. It is considered to serve both literary and dissident purposes.[1]
Plot
Every sentence has two meanings – one in the novel and one that tells something about Communism. For example, the Pharaoh Cheops desires to build a pyramid so large that it will drain the prosperity out of Egypt, and an unprosperous people will not rebel.[2]
Reception
The New York Times picked up on the significance of The Pyramid:
"For the pyramid, viewed by his subjects as an abiding symbol of his total and incontestable power, comes to be seen by him as a personal memento mori, a constant and paralyzing reminder that his brief life will give way to an eternal entombment in stone."[3]
See also
References
- ↑ Review 04/01/1996
- ↑ The Pyramid by Ismail Kadare
- ↑ Bawer, Bruce (28 April 1996). "Land of the Pharaoh: New York Times". The New York Times. Retrieved 2006-05-23.