L’aquila by Ismail Kadare (Farsi)

Description

L'aquila (originally published in Albanian as Shkaba, and later in French as L’aigle) is a surreal and allegorical novella by Albanian author Ismail Kadare. The story follows Maks, a young bank trainee who, after a seemingly trivial misstep, finds himself in a mysterious and oppressive parallel world. This realm is dominated by silence, ambiguity, and an omnipresent eagle—a symbol deeply rooted in Albanian national identity. The eagle, once a revered emblem, becomes a haunting presence that increasingly occupies Maks's disturbed imagination. Through this narrative, Kadare critiques the dehumanizing effects of totalitarian regimes, illustrating how individuals can become ensnared in systems that consume their identities and freedoms. The novella serves as a poignant exploration of personal autonomy, myth, and the psychological toll of authoritarianism.