From the internationally bestselling and Giller-shortlisted author comes a poetic novel about war, loss, and the resilience of women. Eleven years after her intimate year with Kosmos in Paris, Gota, now a journalist for a Toronto travel magazine, learns of a film festival in Sarajevo where Kosmos will be with his theatre company. She takes the assignment to explore the aftermath of the Bosnian war and hopes to reconnect with him. Upon their reunion, she discovers a man and a country transformed beyond recognition. In a small café, Kosmos introduces Gota to Edina, the new woman in his life. As Gota navigates her complex feelings for Kosmos, she and Edina develop an unexpected bond. Edina, a formidable lawyer, reveals the sexual violence she and many others endured. What begins as a journey of rekindled love evolves into a passionate quest for justice, as Gota is determined to amplify their stories. Her life becomes intertwined with a community of women, leading her to The Hague to confront their abusers. The experiences Gota documents and the stories she hears will alter her life forever. Written in masterful prose, this tale of resilience explores the power of speaking out against those who seek to silence the truth.
Kim Echlin Book order (chronological)
Kim Echlin is an author whose work delves into profound human narratives and cultural storytelling. Her deep interest in traditional oral traditions, evident from her doctoral research, shapes her approach to writing, focusing on authentic voices and their worlds. Echlin's style is marked by an ability to penetrate beneath the surface, uncovering intricate relationships and resonant themes that captivate readers. Her novels offer an immersive reading experience, exploring the human condition with empathy and insight.
The Disappeared
- 235 pages
- 9 hours of reading
A sixteen-year-old girl falls in love with a Cambodian student during a time of turmoil. The story follows Anne Greves from Montreal, who meets Serey, a Cambodian forced into exile during Pol Pot’s regime. Their connection blossoms in a jazz club, fueled by a shared love for music, despite her father's disapproval. When Cambodia's borders reopen, Serey must return home alone to search for his family, leaving Anne heartbroken and without news. Struggling to move on, she decides to travel to the war-torn country that has taken Serey from her. There, she encounters a resilient people striving to rebuild their lives amid the devastation that has claimed their traditions and a significant portion of their population. As Anne seeks to uncover the truth about Serey and herself, she reflects on the nature of despair and the necessity of storytelling. The narrative immerses readers in a land rich with history and conflict, exploring the complexities of love influenced by family, politics, and memory. It raises profound questions about honoring the past and coping with loss. Written in lyrical prose, the story delves into themes of language, truth, justice, and the enduring power of love, even in the face of absence.