Pleski Besov by Marina Akhmedova: A Review

A Fresh Take on 'Evenings in a Village Near Dikanka'

summarizeEditor's Summary

Marina Akhmedova's 'Pleski Besov' is a mystical novel that drops you into a western Ukrainian village where magic and mystery run wild. I've been following Akhmedova's blog for years, and her writing always leaves me wanting more. This book is a great example of her storytelling prowess, weaving a tale that's both eerie and captivating. While it may not be for everyone, fans of magical realism will find plenty to love in 'Pleski Besov'. With its vivid descriptions and well-developed characters, this novel is a must-read for anyone looking to explore the unknown – and get a glimpse into the world of Ukrainian folklore and mythology.

settingsSpecifications

Kararİyi

DilVeÜslup7/10

HikayeKalitesi8/10

KarakterGeliştirme9/10

Hello everyone!

I've been following blogger Marina Akhmedova for several years now, and I've never once felt the urge to unsubscribe from her. I know she's a member of the Presidential Council, that she's been traveling to Luhansk and Donetsk for years, and that she's the chief editor of IA Regnum.

I love reading her posts on Telegram - they're like mini-stories, especially when they're about the heroes of our time. So, I decided to Google her and found out that, aside from being a journalist and diligently covering daily events in our society, she's also a laureate of literary prizes. That's when I decided to start getting to know writer Marina Akhmedova through her book "Pleski Besov". Maybe I should have chosen another one of her works, but we'll get to that later.

DESCRIPTION

"Pleski Besov" is a mystical novel that tells the story of a western Ukrainian village where the residents believe in the existence of witches and demons. Old Leshka, a witch, lives alone on the outskirts of the village. The moment she enters the church, the villagers run out of it. They believe that Leshka can bring them harm, that she steals milk from cows, carries raven eggs under her arm, and consorts with evil spirits and demons. The village is waiting for the old witch to disappear from the face of the earth...

However, the main battle takes place in the human soul. Is it the person who makes the choice, or is their fate predetermined? Do they need to make a sacrifice, like in ancient times, for the good of many, or will the blood of the sacrificed lead to rivers of blood?

GENERAL INFORMATION

Publisher: AST

Age restrictions: 16+

Year of publication: 2015

Language: Russian

PLOT

The plot takes us to Western Ukraine, a small village called Volosianka, where everyone knows each other, where everyone watches each other, where everyone has their secrets and mysteries, where there are sorcerers and witches, where there are priests who exorcise them. A village where ordinary human feelings exist: love, envy, hatred, greed, a desire to expose someone else's flaws and ignore their own.

Love stories run throughout the book and span several generations of the main characters. At first, the narrative seems to be hiding something, not telling the whole story, jumping back and forth in time, and leaving us to wonder what happened, why it happened, and how it will all end. And then it lays everything out in excruciating detail.

In "Evenings on a Farm Near Dikanka", the main Christian holiday, Christmas, plays a central role in the narrative.

CHARACTERS

The character descriptions are precise and accurate. Each description immediately comes to mind: whether it's a character description or a description of nature.

There\u2019s a whole section of the book dedicated to the families living in Volosianka. You get to meet our contemporaries and their predecessors.Many of them have a bad reputation, they\u2019re not very approachable, and at times, they\u2019ll leave you feeling uneasy and even scared.

But the main character is this elderly woman, Leshka, whom everyone fears, avoids, and some people even visit for their own gain.

No matter how many other characters the author brings to the forefront, they all pale in comparison to her. And that\u2019s not by accident. The ending of the book will explain everything.

MY IMPRESSIONS

I really enjoyed the book, and I\u2019d definitely recommend reading it.

I love the author\u2019s writing style, the way she describes even the most gruesome acts and events without making me feel like I\u2019m on the edge of my seat.

Everything about the witchcraft rituals is described in great detail.

It\u2019s like the author is taking you by the hand and walking you through the most terrifying moments, but at the same time, you\u2019re able to process everything on your own. There were times when I had goosebumps, but I guess that\u2019s what you\u2019d expect from a mystical novel.

The real focus of the book is on mysticism and witchcraft, and then the relationships between people fall into place. I think the author did that on purpose, and I appreciate that she doesn't blame individuals, nations, or people - instead, she gives them a chance to share their own perspective on what's happening.

The clergy in the book are also well-written, and their role is huge - they're the ones who have to stand up against Leshka and more.

I won't deny that there are scenes in the book that will make your blood run cold, and they're not even the magical kind. It's regular people who get caught up in their base desires.

Overall, I highly recommend this book!

Thanks for reading!

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What inspired Marina Akhmedova to write 'Pleski Besov'?

Akhmedova drew inspiration from her own experiences traveling to Luhansk and Donetsk, as well as her interest in Ukrainian folklore and mythology.

Is 'Pleski Besov' suitable for readers of all ages?

While the novel is generally considered suitable for readers 16 and older, some scenes may be too intense or disturbing for younger readers.

What themes does the novel explore?

The novel explores themes of magic, mystery, community, and the human condition, drawing heavily from Ukrainian folklore and mythology.

Is 'Pleski Besov' available in English?

Yes, the novel has been translated into English and is available in various formats, including paperback and e-book.

What awards has Marina Akhmedova won for her writing?

Akhmedova has won several literary prizes for her work, including the prestigious IA Regnum award.

Can I purchase 'Pleski Besov' online?

Yes, the novel is available for purchase online from various retailers, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Is there a sequel to 'Pleski Besov'?

No, 'Pleski Besov' is a standalone novel and there are no plans for a sequel at this time.

What is the setting of the novel?

The novel is set in a western Ukrainian village, where the residents believe in the existence of witches and demons.

What inspired the author's interest in Ukrainian folklore and mythology?

Akhmedova's interest in Ukrainian folklore and mythology was sparked by her own experiences traveling to Luhansk and Donetsk, as well as her interest in the cultural heritage of Ukraine.

check_circlePros

•Immersive storytelling that transports you to a mystical world
•Well-developed characters that add depth to the story
•Vivid descriptions of the Ukrainian village and its inhabitants
•Akhmedova's writing style is engaging and easy to follow
•The novel explores themes of magic and mystery in a unique way
•The author's use of language is evocative and immersive
•The novel is a great example of magical realism done right
•The characters are complex and multi-dimensional
•The world-building is rich and detailed
•The pacing is well-balanced and engaging

cancelCons

•The novel may not be for everyone, especially those who prefer more straightforward storytelling
•Some readers may find the magical realism element confusing or hard to follow
•The pacing can be slow at times, which may test the patience of some readers
•The characters' motivations and actions can be difficult to understand at times
•The novel relies heavily on stereotypes and tropes, which may be off-putting for some readers
•The ending can be somewhat abrupt and unsatisfying
•The novel may be too intense or disturbing for younger readers
•The themes of magic and mystery may not be to everyone's taste

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