Igi by Jemal Karchkhadze Book Review and Reminder/Request

Until I was offered the chance to participate in Lana's intriguing book-reading exercise, I had never heard of either Igi or its author, Jemal Karchkhadze.

This is one of the most emotionally dense and thought-provoking books I've read in a long time, particularly when you consider its brevity. At just 85 pages, this novella is written in a deliberately simple, archaic language. At first, it can take a little getting used to, but after a couple of pages you begin to familiarise yourself with its rhythm and flow. There is a quiet and elegant beauty to this kind of brevity.

What initially feels like the nonsensical mutterings of someone learning language before language existed is, in fact, exceptionally insightful in its subtext. On the surface, it appears to be a short tale about an ancient clan of people, bound by their traditions, customs and established ways of living. Beneath that, however, it becomes a much deeper exploration of the relationship between the individual and the larger groups that make up society.

When Igi starts to wander from his clan and question the things he has always accepted, he begins to see the world differently. When he stands upright instead of stooped, something changes within him. He discovers a new sense of purpose and self-expression. He discovers art, concepts such as partnership, and attraction.

The clan, predictably, reacts badly.

Igi is treated as an outcast simply because he is different, because he questions what everyone else accepts and because he begins to develop an identity of his own.

The parallels with what we are seeing in supposedly developed civilisation today are striking.

Despite being set in what feels like an impossibly distant past, Igi manages to ask some remarkably modern questions about conformity, individuality, creativity, social structures and what happens when someone dares to step outside the accepted boundaries of their community.

I was extremely grateful to be given the opportunity to read Lana's copy of the book as it makes its way around the world. It's been a fascinating little journey to be part of, and I'm very glad that it introduced me to a book and an author I might otherwise never have encountered.

Lana has asked me to see if there is anyone in the UK or Europe who hasn't yet read Igi and would like to take part in this fun international book-club exercise.

If that's you, please respond in the comments and we can find out where this travelling copy of Igi should go next.

If nobody comes forward, I'll send it back to Lana and let her decide its next destination.

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Thanks for reading!

You can check out Lana's announcement piece that outlines her plans for the book to travel below: