“Palace of Dreams by Ismail Kadare

This one has a very Kafkaesque feel to it. A massive bureaucratic apparatus setup to harvest/monitor the dreams of the populace. They are searching for the ‘master dream’ that will predict the future of the Empire.

“Who can say it’s not what we see with our eyes open that is distorted, and that what’s described here isn’t the true essence of things?” He slowed down outside a door. “Haven’t you ever heard old men sigh that life’s a dream?”

Some of the metaphors of Albania are lost on me, but most of the truths about oppressive governments are universal.

I like Kadare’s writing style. His stories feel like fables but with no happy endings.

I bought this book while browsing Bookman Bookstore in Taipei. I always make a point to buy books from local booksellers to support them.

Rating: ★★★★ Book #47 in my #ReadingChallenge2021 #Books #BookReview #IsmailKadare #Albania #dystopian”,