Tokarczuk, Olga

Demand will be high for Croft’s translation of Nobel Laureate Tokarczuk’s masterpiece, which rewards a close reading in print or a distraction-free listen.

Its extensive length, levels of detail, and geographic and temporal expanse give this a Tolstoyan feel. Enhanced by maps and illustrations and supported by extensive documentation, this saga will reward those who persevere.

More than an offbeat and dark detective work, this latest from Man Booker Prize–winning and National Book Award finalist Tokarczuk combines ecological and social issues with disturbing images and great characterizations. Fans of this genre will likely be caught off guard when the surprise identity of the murderer is ultimately exposed, as the author lays down very few clues. [See Prepub Alert, 2/11/19.]

This host of haunting narratives teases the mind and taunts the soul, providing multiple paths of escape in response to questions about existence and the life's struggles. As a preservative solution of severed threads, it relies on readers for assemblage, and the task is exhilarating indeed. [See Prepub Alert, 2/26/18.]