"Broken April" by Ismail Kadare is a haunting novel set in the high plateaus of northern Albania, focusing on the traditional code of blood feuds known as Kanun. The story follows characters like Gjorg, who is forced to avenge his brother's death under the Kanun, and a honeymooning couple exploring the region and learning about the customs firsthand. The narrative alternates between different perspectives, shedding light on the brutal and rigid laws governing life and death in the mountainous region, creating a compelling and bleak portrayal of existence under the Kanun.

Characters:

The characters include Gjorg, who struggles with his fate; Bessian, who romanticizes and analyzes the customs; and Diana, who sees the oppressive side of these traditions. Mark represents authority in the enforcement of the Kanun.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by spare yet vivid prose that creates a dark and haunting atmosphere, inviting readers to reflect on the themes presented.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative centers on a blood feud dictated by the Kanun, following the protagonist Gjorg as he avenges his brother's death. His life intersects with Bessian and Diana, a honeymooning couple, who observe the harsh realities of the code.

Setting:

The setting is in the High Plateau of Albania during the interwar years, providing a backdrop for the exploration of traditional customs and blood feuds.

Pacing:

The pacing is slow and reflective, emphasizing character development and the impact of the Kanun on daily life.

His feet were cold, and each time he moved his numbed legs a little he heard the desolate grating of pebbles under his shoes. But the sense of desolation was really inside him. Never before had he sta...

Notes:

The novel is set in the High Plateau of Albania, where blood feuds between families have lasted for generations.

The main character, Gjorg, kills a man to avenge his brother's death as dictated by the Kanun, an ancient code of conduct.

Gjorg faces a 30-day truce after his act of vengeance during which he is safe from retaliation but is ultimately a hunted man once the truce expires.

The Kanun presents strict rules for blood feuds, allowing for the avenging of family members' murders, resulting in a cycle of violence.

The story contrasts Gjorg's tragic fate with that of a honeymooning couple, Bessian and Diana, who witness the customs of the Kanun.

Diana becomes captivated by Gjorg's predicament, while her husband romanticizes the blood feud culture despite its brutality.

The novel serves as an allegory for life under totalitarian regimes, reflecting on the oppressive nature of rigid laws and traditional customs.

Kadare's writing is described as haunting, raising questions about honor, revenge, and the impact of old customs on modern life.

The story explores themes of time, with Gjorg experiencing a sense of eternal waiting for his impending death after the truce ends.

The book also critiques the economic implications of blood feuds, showing how they are interwoven with the local economy and governance.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings may include themes of violence, murder, and psychological distress related to blood feuds and personal trauma.

From The Publisher:

Two destinies intersect in Broken April. The first is that of Gjorg, a young mountaineer who (much against his will) has just killed a man in order to avenge the death of his older brother, and who expects to be killed himself in keeping with the provisions of the Code that regulates life in the highlands. The second is that of a young couple on their honeymoon who have come to study the age-old customs of the place, including the blood feud. While the story is set in the early twentieth century, life on the high plateaus of Albania takes life back to the Dark Ages. The bloody shirt of the latest victim is hung up by the bereaved for all to see-until the avenger in turn kills his man with a rifle shot. For the young bride, the shock of this unending cycle of obligatory murder is devastating. The horror becomes personified when she catches a glimpse of Gjorg as he wanders about the countryside, waiting for the truce of thirty days to end, and life with it. That momentary vision of the hapless murderer provokes in her a violent act of revulsion and contrition. Her life will be marked by it always.

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