Random Things Tours: The Secret of Karabakh by Fidan Bagirova

 

Rarely the meeting between historical fiction and thriller is a happy one. Set sometimes in different timelines and at different paces, the two genres may work in opposite directions and require a different narrative. But when such a wondrous encounter happen, the reader that may happen to be passionate about both, is left delighted.

The Secret of Karabakh by multimedia artist and writer Fidan Bagirova was my latest happy reading experience in this respect. The main hero of the story is Alana, an academic starting a career in archeology at Cambridge. She has the support of her wealthy family allowing her to focus on her career. But suddenly, things are getting worse and worse, as she is faced with a reality she was not aware of. She is faced with truths she was not aware of, shaking dramatically the base of her life itself. Fate seemed to have a different call for her and there is no way to escape. Sometimes, discovering who you really are is rooted in despair and life-threatening situations.

I loved both the idea and the execution, as well as the fact that it brings into the attention of the English-speaking reader the history and culture of Azerbaijan, which are rarely, if ever, portrayed. Interestingly, the book opens a door not only to the characters of the story, but to the reader itself, towards new worlds and new perspectives. And, as usual, knowledge is life-changing as it overcomes prejudice while acknowledging the human basis of us all.

The Secret of Karabakh is a captivating novel impossible to put down, with a strong cultural take. Definitely the kind of book that will make you curious and humble at the same time, because one may realize how big and diverse and challenging our world is.

Rating: 4 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the blog tour, but the opinions are, as usual, my own