The Literature Express - Georgian Fiction, #2

A literary association has invited unknown and mediocre writers of various nationalities to a seminar, so the narrative follows the train as it travels through Europe. The novel describes the self-absorption of the authors and their inability to communicate with each other. They are portrayed as inward-looking and disinterested in their fellow travelers' works. The novel speculates on the subject of literature and unsuccessful writing.

The main character of the story is a Georgian author. At the heart of the novel is a love story between him and his Polish translator's wife. However, their romance is as unsuccessful as the protagonist's attempts at literary success. At the end of the fascinating journey through Europe, we discover that all the authors participating in the seminar are writing their new books about the Literature Express.

The Literature Express is about literature and writers, but also subtly reflects the tragedy of a Georgian man who cannot integrate into the European society because of his mind frame. 

Quotation

"The Turbulent Novel"
© Neue Zürcher Zeitung

"The experimental set-up of The Literature Express is not so much about literature as it is about cultivating various neuroses, vanities, patriotic sensitivities, and personal aversions."
© FixPoetry

"Lasha Bugadze has written an extraordinarily enjoyable book. With the depth and a view of a Europe that looks like a show event in The Literature Express. Everyone wants to be there, but only cares about their (national) peculiarity. The author describes with gentle irony that politics or poetry sometimes, but love always produces a good story."
© Deutschlandfunk Kultur