Black Lamb and Grey Falcon
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1941
1181
Book • Nonfiction
Balkans • 1930s
1941
Adult
18+ years
Black Lamb and Grey Falcon by Rebecca West is a 1941 travel memoir recounting six weeks spent in the former Yugoslavia in 1937, blending travel narrative with history and ethnography to illustrate the interconnectedness of lives and events. West, accompanied by her husband, explores Croatia, Dalmatia, Herzegovina, Bosnia, Serbia, Macedonia, and Montenegro, examining their histories, cultures, and contemporary socio-political landscapes. The book discusses war, political conflict, oppressive regimes, male supremacy, and animal sacrifices.
Informative
Mysterious
Contemplative
Emotional
Nostalgic
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Rebecca West's Black Lamb and Grey Falcon is widely praised for its rich, immersive narrative and insightful socio-political commentary on the Balkans. Critics laud its masterful prose and depth of historical knowledge. However, some find it overly dense and meandering at times. Notably, it remains a seminal work in travel literature and an enduring reflection on Eastern Europe.
Readers who enjoy immersive travelogues, histories, and cultural analyses will find Black Lamb and Grey Falcon compelling. Fans of nuanced exploration found in The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova or the historical depth of The Balkan Trilogy by Olivia Manning will appreciate Rebecca West's intricate narrative and vivid depiction of the Balkans.
2,945 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
1181
Book • Nonfiction
Balkans • 1930s
1941
Adult
18+ years
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