Other Songs (novel)
LC Class | PG7163.U4 I56 2003 |
Inne pieśni (Other Songs) is a
The novel was well received by reviewers and critics, who commented on its original theme - an alternate Earth where the laws of physics, and philosophy, are different from that of ours. The novel received the prime Polish award for sci-fi literature, Janusz A. Zajdel Award, in 2003.
The book was translated to Russian (2014) and Bulgarian (2015).
Universe
The universe of the book is similar to ours with one major exception: instead of
Forms determine Matters, and human
Plot introduction
Twelve centuries have passed since the
Influence and interpretation
Dukaj's primary influence have been the philosophical concepts of Aristotle, such as his conjectures on Form and Matter.[1][2] Greek vocabulary, or vocabulary inspired by Greek language, is heavily used in the work.[2] The work is also heavily influenced by the ideas of Witold Gombrowicz's Ferdydurke.[1]
Coupled with his experiences in science fiction, the resulting book is hard to put into any normal genre, leading many to describe it as a kind of 'philosophical fiction'. Philosophical, because Dukaj introduces an overwhelming array of philosophical concepts, but also fiction: the book has no essays or lengthy monologues, it is full of action and colorful characters.[1][3]
Aleksandra Klęczar noted that the book deals with the concept of otherness, as while it is set in the somewhat recognizable history, it portrays a world functioning according to a different set of physical and philosophical rules than ours. Among the influences, she counted classic science fiction form of Jules Verne, comparing his style to Dukaj's, particularly in the context of both descriptions and character's dialogues, focused on describing the fantastical world present. Other influences she noted, particularly in the context of the exploration and adventure subplot, were those of Henryk Sienkiewicz and Joseph Conrad. She also noted that the novel is closer to fantasy genre than science fiction.[2]
Reception
The novel received the prime Polish award for sci-fi literature, Janusz A. Zajdel Award, in 2003, as well as the Sfinks Award for that year. It also received a special mention at the Poznański Przegląd Nowości Wydawniczych . It was nominated for Paszport Polityki and Nautilus Award.[4]
Reviewing the book for Esensja in 2003, Eryk Remiezowicz called it the most refined work of Dukaj's to date. He called it a "perfect puzzle", with every mystery having a logical solution, and every hint eventually fitting into the wider picture. He praised the world building, calling it a seamless creation with no plot holes.[5] Also that year, Wojciech Orliński reviewed it for the Gazeta Wyborcza newspaper. Orliński praised Dukaj for his novel ideas, for vivid description of the portrayed world, and described the main character as the most interesting protagonist created up to this point by Dukaj. He concluded that this is the best work Dukaj has written so far.[3]
Klęczar in 2004 called the work a proof that Dukaj is the most imaginative of contemporary Polish writers when it comes to world building, and in the context of originality and profundity of the new ideas, compared this book to Le Guin's Left Hand of Darkness. She concluded that the work is exemplary and deserves to be recognized as a classic of Polish literature.[2]
Jarek Rusak, who reviewed it for Poltergeist portal in 2013, described the book as challenging, but worth the effort, and praised the author's for the work's originality..[6]
See also
References
- ^ ISSN 0084-4446.
- ^ a b c d e f Klęczar, Aleksandra (2004). "W formie niesamowitej". Dekada Literacka. 5–6: 57–60.
- ^ a b Orliński, Wojciech (13 October 2003). "Inne pieśni, Dukaj, Jacek". wyborcza.pl. Retrieved 2022-09-04.
- ^ "Recenzja książki Jacka Dukaja - Inne Pieśni". www.rpg.sztab.com. Retrieved 2022-09-04.
- ^ Remiezowicz, Eryk (25 October 2003). "Odkrywanie nowego świata". Esensja.pl (in Polish). Retrieved 2022-09-04.
- ^ Rusak, Jarek (20 December 2013). "Inne pieśni. Dukajowa Forma i Materia (recenzja)". polter.pl (in Polish). Retrieved 2022-09-04.