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The Eighth Life

Nino Haratischwili,

Charlotte Collins (Translator)

Why we're reading this: Georgia
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May 27, 2023 Andrea rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2023, personal-challenge-2023, around-the-world-2023, top100longlist, eurovision-book-contest

4.5★

With its impressive average rating, I had high hopes for this family saga covering a century of Georgian history, and I was not disappointed. Friends and followers will be aware that I'm a pretty slow reader, but I do occasionally still like to pick up the odd chunkster and immerse myself in it, provided the story is good. My Kindle edition clocked in at just over 1200 pages, so it was my longest read yet, but every minute invested in it was worthwhile. However it wasn't perfect, falling jus 4.5★

With its impressive average rating, I had high hopes for this family saga covering a century of Georgian history, and I was not disappointed. Friends and followers will be aware that I'm a pretty slow reader, but I do occasionally still like to pick up the odd chunkster and immerse myself in it, provided the story is good. My Kindle edition clocked in at just over 1200 pages, so it was my longest read yet, but every minute invested in it was worthwhile. However it wasn't perfect, falling just a fraction short of the maximum rating for me.

Eight lives in eight books or sections, the story unfolds as a mostly chronological recounting of family history from aunt (Niza) to niece (Brilka). The 'why' becomes apparent towards the end. Through generations of the Jashi family, as well as a small number of extended family members and friends, we see a century of tumultuous Georgian history - revolution, war, oppression, independence - all the good times and bad that shape the family and its fortunes. Underneath it all is a secret family recipe for hot chocolate that may or may not bring a curse upon those who taste its ecstasy. (Don't worry if that sounds a bit gimmicky - it is referred to often enough to provide a thread, but sometimes hundreds of pages can pass before it is mentioned again.)

Every featured character has their flaws, but some have a lot more than others. While none are villains as such, I admit I did have a few favourites on the other end of the spectrum. Stasia and Kitty in particular wrung my heart. Some were sympathetic in childhood but less likeable as adults; others the opposite. Several real-life historical figures loom large (whether named or not), and I enjoyed little forays into Wikipedia to expand my knowledge of them or provide more context. It made me question my understanding of the West's attitude to the collapse of the USSR and reflect on who were the real goodies and baddies in those events.

I enjoyed picking this book up every day for all those weeks, but did find a lull in the pace a couple of times (around the 700-750 page mark, and then again towards the end) which is why it doesn't get a 5★ rating from me.

Highly recommended for readers of historical fiction or with a particular interest in 20th century history. ...more

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