Solo Viola: A Post-Exotic Novel

Solo Viola is a novel by Antoine Volodine that combines humor and horror to explore a fictional world where characters are trying to survive in an absurd and hostile environment. It follows three prisoners, a circus performer, a string quartet, a writer, and a bird, who are at the mercy of a tyrannical buffoon. The novel's stunning music, played by a viola player, offers them hope for a moment.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 11 May 2021
Publisher: University of Minnesota Press

Solo Viola, a captivating early novel by one of France's most distinctive contemporary authors, seamlessly blends humor and horror. This remarkable work marks Antoine Volodine's initial foray into the realm of post-exoticism, transporting readers to a fictional world where a diverse cast of characters come together. Among them are three recently released prisoners, a band of circus performers, a string quartet, a writer, and a bird, all striving to survive in an absurd and hostile environment governed by an oppressive tyrant. In this perilous setting, they find solace in the captivating music of a viola player, whose stunning performances hold the potential to save them all, if only for a fleeting moment.

Volodine's portrayal of these characters is vivid and nuanced, drawing the reader into their complex lives and motivations. The novel explores themes of resilience, survival, and the power of art to transcend adversity. Through the lens of the viola player's music, Solo Viola offers a glimmer of hope and possibility, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always the potential for beauty and redemption.

This captivating novel is a testament to Volodine's talent as a writer and his ability to create fully realized, complex characters in a world that often feels surreal and unfamiliar. It is a must-read for fans of contemporary literature and those who seek to explore the boundaries of genre and narrative.

Weight: 140g
Dimension: 137 x 202 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781517911195