Love Novel

Love in late capitalism is a novel by Ivana Sajko that explores the struggles of an unemployed Dante scholar and a passable actress in a world of economic and political uncertainty. The book is praised for its powerful language and sharp observations, and it offers a poignant portrayal of the interpersonal magic lost in a poisoned world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 01 April 2022
Publisher: V & Q Books

In the depths of late capitalism, Ivana Sajko takes us on a captivating journey into the tumultuous world of a struggling writer and his actress wife. Dante, an unemployed scholar, embarks on a mission to change the world and pursue his passion for writing a novel. Meanwhile, his wife, a once-promising actress, sacrifices her secure job at the theatre to care for their child. As the pressures mount, with rent overdue and violence lurking around every corner, the two individuals find themselves caught in a dizzying dance towards the abyss.

Dante, driven by his delirious ideals and a burning desire for change, teeters between hope and despair. He grapples with the harsh realities of an economic system that seems rigged against him, and his frustration manifests in his writing. Meanwhile, his wife, on the edge of exhaustion, struggles to maintain a sense of stability and provide for her family. The constant stress and fear take a toll on their relationship, and they find themselves circling one another in a toxic dance of resentment and blame.

The novel is a powerful exploration of the complexities of love and relationships in a society that values productivity and success above all else. Sajko's writing is filled with vivid imagery and sharp observations, capturing the political and economic vacuums felt by people in Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, and the former Yugoslavia to this day. The interpersonal magic that once existed between the couple is now lost or forgotten, poisoned by the harsh realities of the big bad world outside.

Sajko celebrates this sad state of affairs with power and intensity, offering a searing indictment of the consequences of late capitalism. Her heroes, a nameless couple trapped in a Mediterranean nowhere, are devoted to each other in a twisted kind of hate. Their love is a product of their circumstances, a desperate attempt to find meaning and purpose in a world that seems to have lost its way.

The novel is a tough, uncompromising read, but it is also a testament to the human spirit. Sajko's characters are flawed and complex, their motivations often unclear, but they are all too human in their struggles and triumphs. The novel explores the depths of human emotion, from the fear and desperation of poverty to the heights of passion and obsession.

In conclusion, "Love in Late Capitalism" is a remarkable novel that takes readers on a journey into the heart of darkness. Ivana Sajko's writing is powerful, evocative, and thought-provoking, offering a searing indictment of the consequences of late capitalism and the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity. This is a novel that will stay with readers long after they have turned the last page.

Weight: 160g
Dimension: 142 x 199 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783863913304