Ismail Kadare was an Albanian novelist, poet, essayist, screenwriter and playwright. He was a leading international literary figure and intellectual, focusing on poetry until the publication of his first novel, The General of the Dead Army, which made him famous internationally.
The Royal Prayer
Original publication
1999
Average rating
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Opening Excerpt
From the storyAs the army prepared to set out on its homeward march with my body, leaving behind only my blood gathered in a leaden vessel, I felt for a while that the world had fallen silent forever. But then I heard the rumbling of the iron chariots and the trampling of hooves growing fainter in the distance, and I realized that I had been left here on my own.
Story Vibe & Style Profile
Emotional Weight
4.6 / 5
Poignant
Narrative Pacing
1.2 / 5
Contemplative
Literary Style
3.9 / 5
Contemporary Literary
Speculative / Reality
4.4 / 5
Speculative / Fabulist
Appearances
About the Author
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