A Constellation of Vital Phenomena in Bookmarks Subscribers

Mar 17, 2014 Sera rated it it was amazing

Shelves: own, favorites, literary-fiction, kindle, 1st

An excellent debut novel that focuses on Russia's war with Chechnya. Like some of the other "new" modern authors that have emerged within the last few years, Marra tackles a difficult, relatively unknown subject in a unique way. The central story takes place within a week, and what happens before and after is told in a series of flashbacks and flash forwards. The story revolves around a small group of characters, each impacted differently by the war, who are struggling to make difficult decision ...more

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May 23, 2013 Karen rated it really liked it

I will think on this book and come back to write my review. My rating may change. 7/3/13- So I have had a week to think about this. At first I was really not enjoying this book, the writer's style was hard to follow, I found myself re-reading passages and going back to previous chapters, but with that said I do find myself thinking about the characters and their struggles during this war. I learned allot about Chechnya and I love to learn about countries/cities and the history while I'm reading. ...more

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May 17, 2013 Amy rated it really liked it

Shelves: _own-ebook, fiction, rec-botn, busy-as-a-bee-books-group, read-in-2013

This is not an 'easy' book to read but it's definitely one that is worth reading. It's slow and captures some horrific and tragic circumstances. It's not a fun read or a light read in any way. But, it's so worth taking the time to work through it. It really captures Chechyna during this time and place, giving you a frighteningly realistic view of war and its impact on humanity. The characters are fantastic and really gave life to this often bleak story. I definitely see why this book keeps showi ...more

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Jul 08, 2014 Linda rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: audio, ohio-e-book-project, fiction, own, botns, booktopia, paperback, z3

I listened to this book and look forward to reading a hard copy at some time in the future. Marra sets his debut novel in Chechnya from 1994 to 2004, during sobering times of unrest and upheaval, but combines the characters in this novel with humor and a real humanity. Colette Whitaker does an excellent job of narrating.

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Apr 20, 2013 Nancy Motto rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

The writing in debut novels, in my opinion, as good as they might be, usually have some room for improvement. I can honestly say this is not the case in A Constellation of Vital Phenomena. This novel is as accomplished as you will ever hope to see from any author.

It's human nature to feel removed from the many conflicts in far flung areas of the world.I read novels like this one to remind myself that the key to life for anyone, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, economic status, is home an The writing in debut novels, in my opinion, as good as they might be, usually have some room for improvement. I can honestly say this is not the case in A Constellation of Vital Phenomena. This novel is as accomplished as you will ever hope to see from any author.

It's human nature to feel removed from the many conflicts in far flung areas of the world.I read novels like this one to remind myself that the key to life for anyone, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, economic status, is home and love of family. We are all alike in that respect.

Prior to reading this novel, I knew little about Chechnya except that there are "Chechen rebels", a term I hear on the news. By writing this novel, Anthony Marra brings to life the people of Chechnya and their struggle to free themselves from Russia. This is a poor country, rife with corruption, fear, poverty, and deception. The author focuses on a small village and its inhabitants to bring Chechnya to life in a way that no news broadcast ever could. Each character is fully realized though two, Akhhmed and Sonja's stories are in the forefront. My favorite character, though, is Ramzan, a young Chechen man who informs on his neighbors who then become "disappeared". He is a very complex person and though he may be considered an antihero, I think my heart broke for him more than any character. At one point, Ramzan thinks "Yes they would likely be shot if discovered by the Feds or State Security forces, but that could happen as easily in Eldar or Volschansk, in their homes or in the street, while they slept, or while they played chess, a fate so likely to befall a Chechen man, it seemed silly to worry about it too much". Such a sad, sad reality.

I will say there is very little happiness or hope in this book and the unremitting tragedies which are often set in motion by some mundane happenstance are difficult to read but this book is extremely well written and will keep you thinking about the characters you meet for some time. Highly recommend. Five Stars.
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Sep 20, 2013 Gayla Bassham rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2013-reads, fiction, 2014-tournament-of-books-longlist

A Constellation of Vital Phenomena I admired this book more than I loved it. Anthony Marra writes beautifully (although some passages seem a shade overdone) and many sections are very moving. Marra is also a great observer of details. In particular, I liked these moments from early in the book:

And now, in the morning, as he tightened the orange scarf around her neck, he found a fingerprint on the girl's cheek, and, because it could have been Dokka's, he left it.

After crossing herself, she lay ...more

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