196 Books: Georgia

 A Man Was Going Down the Road by Otar Chiladze

We're talking about the country, not the state:

We're also talking about the synopsis:

Set in Vani, the semi-legendary capital of Colchis (as western Georgia was called in antiquity), Otar Chiladze’s first novel of 1972 explores the Georgian ramifications of the myth of Jason, the Golden Fleece and Medea, weaving his own inventions with Greek myth and history. (Daedalus and Icarus, as well as King Minos play a part in the story, too.) At the same time, the novel explores very modern predicaments of the idealist who unwittingly destroys his family. The mythical Greek intervention in Colchis is subtly told by Chiladze as an allegory of Russia’s and the Soviet Union’s subversion and conquest of Georgia.

When I picked this book I knew it was going to take me forever to read. While I do enjoy mythology, it can get a little dense and confuse my pretty little head. The book was also about twice as long as the other country books I've been reading lately. I've also been having a bit of a hard time with some anxiety/depression issues (honestly, who hasn't lately) which has made pretty much everything a struggle. (Also, if you don't live in America, check on your American friends. Shit is terrifying and insane over here.)

Ok. On to it. Even with the mythology and setting in ancient times, this was a relatively easy read. I did like where I could pick up on the myths or know enough that I could then go look more into the story. A lot of the characters were also surprisingly relatable, while others were more exaggerated. 

I also liked how it was kind of a few different stories in one. It would follow one family for a while, with some more in-depth sections for certain characters, and then it would move on to a different story and family. I also liked how he weaved the mythology into a bigger story, and then related it to more modern times. (Omg. Does anyone else find it hard to grasp that the 1970s were 50 years ago?!) Although I will say it didn't convey the terror and pressure of an invading army as well as some of the other books I've read. There's one character who ends up informing on a family member, but he's kind of set up as a selfish, bitter opportunist throughout the story. There's a soliloquy of him justifying his actions, but I really didn't get the sense that he felt like he had no choice. Maybe because of how his character had been set up. 

I guess, although I enjoyed the book, I didn't get really into it. It was just kind of fine.