Book of Tbilisi: A City in Short Fiction

Georgia has endured many hardships in the 26 years since declaring independence from the Soviet Union, including one coup d'état, two wars with Russia, organized crime, and economic depression. However, Tbilisi is now flourishing again and drawing tourists with its eclectic architecture and famous, welcoming spirit. These ten stories capture the recent past and the glamorous and exotic present of the city.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 14 December 2017
Publisher: Comma Press

Since Georgia's independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, the country and its capital, Tbilisi, have faced numerous challenges. These include one coup d'état, two wars with Russia, the prevalence of organized crime, and prolonged periods of economic depression. However, in recent years, Tbilisi has begun to experience a revival, attracting tourists with its unique architecture and vibrant spirit. It is challenging to reconcile the city's recent past, marked by hardships and adversity, with its present-day allure.

In this collection of ten stories, Georgian authors explore the complexities of this transition. Through wit, warmth, heartbreaking realism, and a distinctive Georgian sense of neighborliness, they offer a glimpse into the lives of individuals and communities as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of a changing society.

One story, "The Last Train to Tbilisi," by Zaza Gogichaishvili, follows a group of passengers on a train journey from Moscow to Tbilisi, each with their own motivations and stories. The characters are vividly portrayed, and the journey itself becomes a metaphor for the country's journey toward independence and self-discovery.

Another story, "The White City," by Giorgi Nakashidze, explores the aftermath of the 2008 Russo-Georgian War, which left Tbilisi devastated. The city is slowly rebuilding itself, but the scars of the conflict remain deep, and the characters struggle to find hope and meaning in their lives.

"The Foreigner," by Nino Haratashvili, is a poignant tale of a foreign journalist who comes to Tbilisi to cover the 2008 election but finds himself drawn into the lives of the people he meets. The story explores themes of identity, culture, and the complexities of human relationships.

"The Garden of God," by Levan Gelbakhiani, is a surreal and magical story that takes place in a garden in Tbilisi. The garden is a symbol of hope and renewal, and the characters who inhabit it are faced with difficult choices and challenges.

"The Bridge," by Tamaz Chkhikvadze, is a story about a group of friends who come together to build a bridge over a river in Tbilisi. The bridge becomes a symbol of hope and unity, but the construction process is fraught with obstacles and conflicts.

"The Old Man and the Sea," by Giorgi Shengelaia, is a retelling of Ernest Hemingway's classic novel set in Tbilisi. The story explores themes of perseverance, resilience, and the power of the human spirit.

"The Language of Flowers," by Nino Chkheidze, is a story about a young woman who learns the language of flowers to communicate with her grandmother, who has dementia. The story explores themes of memory, loss, and the importance of connection.

"The House on the Hill," by Merab Ninidze, is a story about a family who moves to a new house on a hill in Tbilisi, only to discover that it is haunted by the memories of its previous inhabitants. The story explores themes of trauma, memory, and the power of the past to shape the present.

"The Last Day of Summer," by Lasha Gogichaishvili, is a story about a young man who returns to his hometown after years of living in the city. The story explores themes of nostalgia, identity, and the complexities of growing up and leaving home.

In conclusion, these ten stories by Georgian authors offer a rich and nuanced exploration of the challenges and opportunities faced by the people of Tbilisi as they navigate the transition from a troubled past to a vibrant present. Through their wit, warmth, and heartfelt storytelling, they provide a glimpse into the lives of individuals and communities as they strive to rebuild, heal, and find hope in the face of adversity.

Weight: 180g
Dimension: 130 x 198 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781910974315