House with the Stained-Glass Window

The acclaimed story of a young girl's awakening - set in the the evocative, beautiful Ukrainian/Polish city of Lviv

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 24 January 2019
Publisher: Quercus Publishing

Zanna Sloniowska is a talented writer who possesses a remarkable ability to evoke empathy, sensitivity, and a profound political impact through her writing. Her work has established her as a significant new voice in Polish literature. OLGA TOKARCZUK, a Nobel Prize-winning author, has praised Sloniowska's writing, describing it as a gripping and evocative portrayal of a city and a family spanning a long and painful century. In her novel "Flights," Tokarczuk offers a captivating account of life and survival across different eras. The story revolves around four generations of women from the same fractious family, who reside under the same roof in the bustling city of Lviv during the turbulent 20th century. The first woman introduced is Great-Granma, a tiny and terrifying figure who has been shaped by a life of exile, hardship, and doomed love. Despite her diminutive size, she wields an iron grip on the lives of her daughter, granddaughter, and great-granddaughter, determined to maintain control over their destinies. The second woman is Aba, an arthritic but devoted individual who is subjected to her mother's cruelty and contempt. Despite her physical limitations, Aba yearns for happiness and dreams of pursuing a career in painting. However, her hopes are thwarted, and her mother crushes her aspirations. The third woman is Marianna, a brilliant opera star who is known for her boldness, beauty, and unwavering support for Ukrainian independence. Marianna becomes a martyr during a demonstration, leaving a profound impact on the life of her daughter, the fourth woman in the narrative. Lviv, the city that serves as the backdrop for the story, is a character in its own right. Tokarczuk describes it as a vibrant and bustling metropolis, filled with markets, monuments, streets, and spires. The city is a melting pot of history, where different civilizations collide and stories emerge on every corner. Sloniowska's writing seamlessly weaves together the personal narratives of the women with the broader historical context, creating a rich and immersive experience for the reader. The novel is translated from the Polish by Antonia Lloyd-Jones, who does an exceptional job of capturing the essence of Sloniowska's writing and preserving its cultural nuances. "Flights" is a testament to Zanna Sloniowska's talent as a writer and her ability to create compelling stories that resonate with readers on a profound level. Her work has earned her critical acclaim and has positioned her as a rising star in the world of literature.

Weight: 170g
Dimension: 197 x 127 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780857057143