Quick Take

Six romances, one revolution, the story of the century.'That night Stasia took an oath, swearing to learn the recipe by heart and destroy the paper. And when she was lying in her bed again, recalling the taste with all her senses, she was sure that this secret recipe could heal wounds, avert catastrophes, and bring people happiness. But she was wrong.'At the start of the twentieth century, on the edge of the Russian Empire, a family prospers. It owes its success to a delicious chocolate recipe, passed down the generations with great solemnity and caution. A caution which is justified: this is a recipe for ecstasy that carries a very bitter aftertaste ...Stasia learns it from her Georgian father and takes it north, following her new husband, Simon, to his posting at the centre of the Russian Revolution in St Petersburg. Stasia's is only the first in a symphony of grand but all too often doomed romances that swirl from sweet to sour in this epic tale of the red century.Tumbling down the years, and across vast expanses of longing and loss, generation after generation of this compelling family hears echoes and sees reflections. Great characters and greater relationships come and go and come again; the world shakes, and shakes some more, and the reader rejoices to have found at last one of those glorious old books in which you can live and learn, be lost and found, and make indelible new friends.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: The Eighth Life

Introduction

"The Eighth Life" by Nino Haratischwili is a captivating novel that tells the story of a Georgian family over the course of the 20th century. With its rich historical context and engaging characters, this book has garnered praise from readers worldwide. In this article, we will delve into the author's background, analyze common opinions, and explore the reasons why readers recommend this captivating book.

About Nino Haratischwili

Nino Haratischwili is a Georgian author known for her theatrical background and her ability to weave historical events into compelling narratives. Born in Georgia and now residing in Hamburg, Haratischwili has established herself as a prominent figure in the literary world. Her writing style is characterized by its playfulness and ability to transport readers to different times and places. With her extensive knowledge of Georgian history and culture, Haratischwili brings a unique perspective to her works.

Analysis of Views

Engaging Historical Context: Readers appreciate the depth and breadth of historical events covered in the novel. From the end of the Tsarist rule to the collapse of the Soviet Union, Haratischwili skillfully intertwines real-life figures and events into the family's story. This adds an extra layer of depth to the narrative, making it more than just a family saga.
Well-Developed Characters: The characters in "The Eighth Life" are well-crafted, with their own individual struggles and relationships. Readers find themselves invested in these characters, rooting for them as they navigate through the tumultuous events of the 20th century. The close-knit relationships between family members and their impact on each other's lives are particularly noteworthy.
Magical Realism Element: The inclusion of a magical hot chocolate recipe adds an element of whimsy to the novel. While some readers find it unnecessary and a bit out of place, others appreciate its symbolic significance. The recipe serves as a metaphor for the family's legacy and the impact it has on their lives.
Melodramatic Elements: Some readers find that the novel occasionally slides towards melodrama, which can be a detail they did not appreciate too much. However, others argue that this adds to the emotional intensity of the story, making it more engaging and memorable.
Enjoyable Read: Overall, readers find "The Eighth Life" to be an enjoyable read. With its sweeping family saga and rich historical context, the book offers a unique perspective on Georgian history and culture. While it may not be considered a "literary masterpiece," it is praised for its accessibility and ability to transport readers to another time and place.

Reasons for Recommendation

Engaging Historical Narrative: The incorporation of real-life historical events into the family's story makes "The Eighth Life" an educational read as well as an enjoyable one. Readers appreciate learning about Georgian history and culture through the lens of this captivating novel.
Well-Developed Characters: The well-crafted characters in the novel make it easy for readers to become invested in their lives and experiences. Their struggles and relationships add depth and emotion to the story, making it more than just a historical account.
Magical Realism Element: While some readers find the magical hot chocolate recipe unnecessary, others appreciate its symbolic significance in the narrative. It adds an element of whimsy and enriches the overall reading experience.
Engaging Plot: The sweeping family saga structure of "The Eighth Life" keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. With its twists and turns, this book is a page-turner that keeps readers entertained throughout its lengthy pages.
Accessibility and Enjoyment: Despite its length, "The Eighth Life" is praised for being an accessible read that does not require extensive knowledge of Georgian history or culture to enjoy. Its engaging plot and well-developed characters make it a recommended read for anyone looking for a captivating historical fiction novel.

Conclusion

"The Eighth Life" by Nino Haratischwili is a captivating novel that offers readers a glimpse into Georgian history and culture through the lens of a compelling family saga. With its well-developed characters, engaging historical context, and magical realism elements, this book has garnered praise from readers worldwide. While some may find it melodramatic at times, overall, "The Eighth Life" is recommended for those seeking an enjoyable read with rich historical depth and memorable characters. Nino Haratischwili's ability to weave historical events into her narrative showcases her talent as a storyteller, making "The Eighth Life" a must-read for anyone interested in Georgian history or simply looking for an immersive reading experience.