Paperback. Seven escaped mental patientsincluding reincarnations of Genghis Khan, Cleopatra, Alexander the Greattrudge across a nameless landscape, pursued by an omnipresent snake and haunted by their past lives brutal transgressions. Led by a mysterious Emperor who promises deliverance to the Holy Land, these travelers are actually pilgrims of their own fractured histories, each confronting the violent, sensual, and deeply human moments that have defined their existence. Blending elements of Central Asian epic tradition with surrealist storytelling, Sultan Raev crafts a novel that is at once a scathing critique of power, a meditation on historical violence, and a darkly comic exploration of collective memory. The narrative weaves between present-day desert wanderings and vivid historical reconstructions, challenging readers understanding of identity, punishment, and spiritual transformation. Snakes slither through personal and collective histories; eclipses mark moments of existential revelation; and the line between madness and profound insight becomes provocatively blurred. Winner of Kazakhstans 2014 Novel of the Year, Castigation offers a stunning meditation on humanitys capacity for both destruction and transcendence. Offers a stunning meditation on humanitys capacity for both destruction and transcendence. Blending elements of Central Asian epic tradition with surrealist storytelling, Sultan Raev crafts a novel that is at once a scathing critique of power, a meditation on historical violence, and a darkly comic exploration of collective memory. Shipping may be from our Sydney, NSW warehouse or from our UK or US warehouse, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9780815611936

Contact seller

Report this item

Bibliographic Details

Title: Castigation (Paperback)
Publisher: Syracuse University Press, New York
Publication Date: 2025
Language: English
ISBN 10: 0815611935
ISBN 13: 9780815611936
Binding: Paperback
Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

Seven escaped mental patients—including reincarnations of Genghis Khan, Cleopatra, and Alexander the Great—trudge across a nameless landscape, pursued by an omnipresent snake and haunted by their past lives’ brutal transgressions. Led by a mysterious Emperor who promises deliverance to the Holy Land, these travelers are actually pilgrims of their own fractured histories, each confronting the violent, sensual, and deeply human moments that have defined their existence. Blending elements of Central Asian epic tradition with surrealist storytelling, Sultan Raev crafts a novel that is at once a scathing critique of power, a meditation on historical violence, and a darkly comic exploration of collective memory. The narrative weaves between present-day desert wanderings and vivid historical reconstructions, challenging readers’ understanding of identity, punishment, and spiritual transformation. Snakes slither through personal and collective histories; eclipses mark moments of existential revelation; and the line between madness and profound insight becomes provocatively blurred. Winner of Kazakhstan’s 2014 Novel of the Year, Castigation offers a stunning meditation on humanity’s capacity for both destruction and transcendence.

About the Author

Sultan Raev is celebrated novelist, playwright, and former minister of culture of Kyrgyzstan. He is currently the head of the Turkic Writers’ Union, an international arts organization. This is his first novel to be published in English. Shelley Fairweather-Vega is a professional translator in Seattle specializing in the poetry and prose of contemporary Central Asia. She is the translator of many novels, including Hamid Ismailov’s Gaia, Queen of Ants.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

The Nile Group Pty Ltd
42 Apex Drive, Truganina, VIC, 3029, Australia

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

We guarantee the condition of every book as it's described on the Abebooks web sites. If you're dissatisfied with your purchase (Incorrect Book/Not as Described/Damaged) or if the order hasn't arrived, you're eligible for a refund within 30 days of the estimated delivery date. If you've changed your mind about a book that you've ordered, please use the Ask bookseller a question link to contact us and we'll respond within 2 business days.

Shipping Terms

Please note that titles are dispatched from our UK and NZ warehouse. Delivery times specified in shipping terms. Orders ship within 2 business days. Delivery to your door then takes 8-15 days.

Shipping rates from Australia to U.S.A.

Shipping rates from Australia to U.S.A.
Order quantity	25 to 45 business days	8 to 14 business days
First item	US$ 37.00	US$ 44.00

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.