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The Last of the Vostyachs

By Diego Marani
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3.42 goodreads logo

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Check link for latest rating. ( 147 ratings, 26 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Last of the Vostyachs follows a man named Ivan, the last speaker of an endangered language, as he leaves Siberia after years of isolation. His journey is propelled by his encounter with a linguist fascinated by his unique knowledge. As Ivan navigates a modern world perplexed by his ancient roots, the story weaves through themes of language preservation and cultural identity.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy novels that blend mystery, linguistics, and culture. It weaves a tale of discovery and identity in the backdrop of Siberia, with a touch of wit and intrigue. If you appreciate stories that delve into the nuances of language and the remnants of forgotten societies, this book might be a captivating read.

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The Last of the Vostyachs won two literary prizes in Italy: The Premio Campiello and The Premio Stresa.

* Widespread review coverage in major Australian and New Zealand newspapers such as Age, Sydney Morning Herald, Courier Mail, West Australian, Dominion Post, The Press and NZ Herald * Widespread review coverage in major Australian and New Zealand general and literary publications such as The Big Issue, NZ Listener, Kill Your Darlings and North & South * Widespread review coverage in literary magazines such as Australian Book Review, Monthly and Kill Your Darlings * Widespread review coverage on blogs such as LiteraryMinded and Crikey's Liticism * Interviews in major newspapers such as the Sydney Morning Herald/Age * Extensive radio interviews across Australian and New Zealand to coincide with author tour * Author tour confirmed for May 2013 in Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, Sydney and Melbourne * Early reading copies available to the trade * Budget for bookseller catalogues * Advertising in literary publications such as the ABR and The Monthly * Social media campaign * Featured in Text's newsletter and website

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

He felt a shiver run down his spine when he heard the lateral fricative with labiovelar overlay ring out loud and clear in the chill air... It set forgotten follicles stirring in the soft part of his brain, disturbing liquids that had lain motionless for centuries, arousing sensations not made for men of the modern world.

Ivan grew up in a gulag and held his dying father in his arms. Since then he has not uttered a word. He has lived in the wild, kept company only by the wolves and his reindeer-skin drum. He is the last of an ancient Siberian shamanic tribe, the Vostyachs, and the only person left on earth to know their language.

But when the innocent wild man Ivan is found in the forests by the lively linguist Olga, his existence proves to be a triumphant discovery for some, a grave inconvenience for others. And the reader is transported into the heart of the wildest imagination.

The Last of the Vostyachs offers a captivating journey into a forgotten world where ancient languages and shamanic traditions collide with modern desires and discoveries.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Last of the Vostyachs is praised for its blend of mystery and Scandinavian-noir with elements reminiscent of "12 Monkeys". Critics highlight Diego Marani's brilliance, likening his work to a roller-coaster of emotions, combining darkness and hilarity with tender moments. The novel is celebrated for its comic unpredictability and intelligent humour, while also showcasing Marani's interest in languages and their silencing. The English translation by Landry is noted for its seamlessness, making the original feel as if it were written in English.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781922079688

Publisher: Text Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 24 April 2013

Country: Australia

Imprint: The Text Publishing Company

Contributors:

  • Translated by Judith Landry

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 153.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 208

Collections

Diego Marani Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction Penguin Books

About the Author

Authors Bio, not available

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