Synopses & Reviews
A fictional exploration of primitive history, Singer's novel portrays an age of superstition and violence in a country emerging from the darkness of savagery. Part parable of modern civilization, part fascinating historical novel, it reaffrims the author's reputation as a master storyteller.
Review
"[Singer's] vision and imagination are stronger than ever, and whether one reads the book as a parable of modern civilization and its discontents or as unadulterated fantasy, one is indelibly transfixed."
--Library Journal "The strength of I. B. Singer's novel comes from the language, as it constantly undermines the flow of the narrative by infusing into the text - written in Yiddish and translated into English by the author - Polish words and phrases."
--The New York Times
Synopsis
Singer's late novel, a magical and resonant fable, recreates the birth of the Polish nation. Through the compelling figure of Cybula, defeated leader of a tribe of hunter-gatherers, it explores the moment when prehistory dissolved into history, superstitions became tinged with skepticism, and men began to turn from many gods towards one god.
About the Author
Isaac Bashevis Singer (1904-91) was the author of many novels, stories, and childrens books. He received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1978.