Ismail Kadare, The Icon of Albanian Literature

Ismail Kadare was one of the most distinguished authors of the 20th and 21st centuries who left behind a literary heritage that has influenced both Albanian and world literature. The significant impact he had through his words contributed to the published works we get to admire today.

Born on January 28, 1936, in Gjirokastër, Albania, Kadare grew up in a period of political turmoil. His hometown, known for its Ottoman architecture, was one of the components that influenced his literary sensibilities.

At the age of 13, Kadare discovered the “Macbeth” of Shakespeare, and that’s how his love for literature was born. He also wrote his first narrative at the same age, and a few years later, when he was only 18, he published his first piece, a collection of poems entitled “Boyish Inspirations”.

Creativity was controlled in communist regimes. Writers and artists faced many challenges while attempting to express themselves, and freedom wasn’t the common right we know today.

Kadare’s literary career began in earnest in the 1960s, when Albania was under the oppressive rule of Enver Hoxha’s communist regime. The government strictly censored artistic expression and demanded that all literature align with the principles of socialist realism.

It has been a dark era of restrictions and control, to say the least.

However, despite these restrictions, Kadare managed to “survive” the censorship with great skill. His first novel, “The General of the Dead Army” (1963), was a subtle yet powerful critique of war and its aftermath. This work and many others that followed allowed Kadare to ‘cover’ his dissent within allegory and metaphor and critique the regime while avoiding direct confrontation.

This rare mastery in using narratives to express and reflect on important system issues became an identity of his style.

Kadare’s works often express the complexities of Albanian identity, history, and the human condition. “Chronicle in Stone” (1971), a semi-autobiographical novel, describes life in Gjirokastër during World War II through the eyes of a young boy. This novel, like many of his others, is ingrained with a sense of place and a profound connection to Albanian culture and history.

One of his most known works, “Broken April” (1978), reflects the Albanian code of Kanun and the practice of blood feuds. Through this novel, Kadare sheds light on the customs that have shaped Albanian society, and it offers readers a window into a world that is both foreign and deeply familiar in its exploration of human nature.

Life has never been simple for a writer living under a repressive regime. Kadare faced constant scrutiny and the ever-present threat of persecution. Despite this, he remained loyal and committed to his work and country.

In 1990, as the communist regime began to crumble, Kadare sought political asylum in France. This move allowed him greater freedom to write and speak out against the injustices he had witnessed.

Kadare’s literary prowess did not go unnoticed beyond Albania’s borders. His works were translated into numerous languages. He has earned a global readership and numerous accolades. In 2005, he was awarded the inaugural Man Booker International Prize. This honour solidified his status as one of the foremost writers of his generation.

Kadare’s Work Will Always Live With Us

Kadare’s life and work have shown the true colours of literature during communism. They have collided with the ‘modern’ reader’s reality, the writer who has never lived in communism, and all that is left with is the ability to visualise what the writer’s perspective is all about. And despite all this, Kadare’s words have been strong enough to transmit the power of literature to challenge, inspire, and endure.

A good writer never dies.

Kadare’s stories, deeply connected in the Albanian spirit and lifestyle yet universal in their essence, are the pieces that will always live and speak his voice for generations to come.