Flights
Olga Tokarczuk · b. 1962 · Poland
Originally Bieguni (Polish) · translated by Jennifer Croft
Why it matters
Over a hundred fragments (travelers, anatomists, a plastinated body) held together by a hidden gravity into a meditation on motion and the perishable flesh. Tokarczuk's 'constellation novel' that carried her toward the Nobel.
At a glance
postmodernphilosophical novelshort story collection
Difficulty 7/10slow pace416 pagesA fragmented mosaic of over a hundred disconnected pieces with no linear plot to hold onto.
Where to go next
Olga Tokarczuk · 2009Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the DeadLvl 4Fast paced
Mircea Cărtărescu · 1989NostalgiaLvl 8Slow burn
Milan Kundera · 1984The Unbearable Lightness of BeingLvl 5Slow burn
Witold Gombrowicz · 1937FerdydurkeLvl 7Fast paced
Viktor Pelevin · 1992Omon RaLvl 5Fast paced
László Krasznahorkai · 1985SatantangoLvl 9Slow burn