Death and the Dervish
Death and the Dervish
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1966
Book Brief
473
Novel • Fiction
Sarajevo, Bosnia • 1700s
1966
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Set in Bosnia during the 1700s, Meša Selimović's novel Death and the Dervish (1966) centers on Sheikh Ahmed Nurrudin's futile efforts to free his imprisoned brother Harun. Amid the oppressive Ottoman rule, Ahmed faces bureaucratic corruption and moral dilemmas in his quest. The book poses deep questions about duty, honor, and the impact of a repressive society.
Contemplative
Melancholic
Mysterious
Dark
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
10,200 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Death and the Dervish by Meša Selimović is praised for its profound exploration of existential themes and the human psyche, offering deep philosophical insights. Critics commend its lyrical prose and historical context. However, some readers find the pacing slow and the introspective narrative challenging. Overall, it's a richly contemplative read that demands patience and reflection.
Who Should Read Death and the Dervish?
Readers who enjoy intricate psychological and philosophical novels like Albert Camus' The Stranger or Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment will appreciate Death and the Dervish by Meša Selimović. Ideal for those intrigued by moral dilemmas, existential angst, and the exploration of inner turmoil within a historical and cultural context.
10,200 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
473
Novel • Fiction
Sarajevo, Bosnia • 1700s
1966
Adult
18+ years
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