I really enjoyed reading this book, it had that element that I was expecting and enjoyed from this type of book. I was invested in what was happening with the characters and how they worked in this emotional novel. Nino Haratischwili does a fantastic concept and was able to weave a strong storyline and unique and real characters.

The Lack of Light by Nino Haratischwili is not merely a book; it's an immersive experience that commands attention and leaves an indelible mark. This is an epic narrative, ambitious in its scope and deeply resonant in its emotional core, chronicling the lives of four young women navigating the profound societal upheaval of Georgia during the collapse of the Soviet Union. As a reader who appreciates narratives that offer both a grand sweep of history and an intimate look at human resilience, this novel truly captivated me from start to finish.

Haratischwili's brilliance lies in her ability to intertwine the personal with the political, presenting the turbulent history of Georgia through the lens of an unbreakable yet fragile friendship. The story, framed by a poignant photography exposition, beautifully illustrates how individual lives become inextricably linked to the broader currents of their nation. The themes of friendship, loss, and the relentless search for identity against a backdrop of chaos are explored with such depth and sensitivity, making the characters—Keto, Dina, Nene, and Ira—feel incredibly real and their struggles profoundly impactful.

The author's writing style is nothing short of masterful; her language is rich, evocative, and paints vivid imagery that transports you directly into the heart of Tbilisi and the tumultuous era. She crafts characters with such authenticity that you become deeply invested in their fates, feeling every triumph and every heartbreak as if your own. It's rare to find a book that so skillfully balances historical exposition with such compelling individual narratives, but Haratischwili achieves this with remarkable grace. The Lack of Light is a powerful, moving, and ultimately unforgettable read that I would highly recommend to anyone seeking a truly meaningful literary journey.

Sweeping and emotionally charged, The Lack of Light is a powerful portrait of friendship, betrayal, and resilience set against the backdrop of a changing Georgia. Haratischwili masterfully weaves together personal and political histories through the lives of four women whose bond is tested by tragedy and time. It's an aching, luminous novel that stayed with me long after I turned the last page.