Genre: Historical Fiction
Author: Vladimir Bartol
Translator: Michael Biggins
Year Published: 2004 (English translation)
TWs: Suicide, violence, death, SA
Rating: 4/5
Recently, in my history class, we’ve been studying Mussolini and his government during the 1930s. When I found a book that was an allegory of his regime, I had to read it, and I’m so glad I did. This book is hands down one of the best I’ve read this year. So, let’s get into it!
“But then there are people for whom the whole planet is a prison, who see the infinite expanse of the universe, the millions of stars and galaxies that remain forever inaccessible to them. And that awareness makes them the greatest prisoners of time and space.”
Synopsis (spoiler-free, always)
This book story is set in the fortress of Alamut, ruled by Hasan ibn Sabbah, a genius strategist who wants to control the region. He creates a virtual paradise filled with lush gardens, beautiful women, endless pleasure, convincing his young fighters that if they obey him, they’ll go straight to heaven when they die.
We follow two main characters, Ibn Tahir, a young recruit who fully believes in Sabbah’s teachings, and Halima, a girl brought to Alamut to be one of the ‘houris’ (women who welcome martyrs into paradise). As they both get caught up in Hasan’s world, they slowly start realizing that something isn’t right.
“Nothing is true. Everything is permitted.”
My Thoughts
This book really surprised me. Hasan is both fascinating and terrifying. He’s always ten steps ahead, manipulating everyone around him. Even though he’s the villain, it’s hard not to admire how smart he is. He kind of reminds me of
I loved the way Bartol built up the world of Alamut too, showing both the warriors being brainwashed and the hidden paradise being used to trick them. It’s disturbing but also brilliant. One of my favorite parts was the moment when Hasan finally reveals the truth to his closest men I was shocked to my core and it really stuck with me.
The writing in this book is also beautiful. Bartol writes in a way that is philosophical but simple that I could honestly relate to, or at least empathize with every line. It made it so difficult to decide which two quotes I was going to include in this post!
That said, the pacing was a bit slow in the beginning, but if you can get through the first two chapters, I promise you will not be able to put it down. Ibn Tahir is an interesting protagonist, but he’s also a bit predictable. Halima’s story, on the other hand, was heartbreaking, and I wish she had more time in the book.
Even though Alamut was written in 1938, it feels strangely relevant today. It really makes you think about how easily people can be manipulated when they believe they’re fighting for a greater cause. So, if you like historical fiction that makes you question everything, this one’s worth a read!
Happy Reading!
About the Author
Vladimir Bartol was born in 1903 in San Giovanni, Slovenia. He studied biology and philosophy at the University of Ljubljana. Upon graduating in 1925, he continued his studies at the Sorbonne in Paris. After serving in the army in 1928, he lived in Belgrade and edited the Slovenian Belgrade Weekly. He eventually moved back to his hometown of Trieste where he was elected to the Slovenian Academy of Sciences And Arts. He continued to work there until his death in 1967.
Find more on his Goodreads page!
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