Interpreting Proclus: From Antiquity to the Renaissance

The bestselling book of the decade in Georgia, this novel is based on one of the most tragic events of the 1980s when seven young people hijacked an airplane in an attempt of escape from the Soviet Union. They risked everything, including their lives, for the idea of freedom and liberation. The Soviet government of Georgia sentenced most of them to death. The public reaction was split. Some people considered the young rebels as terrorists, while others saw them as heroes. Flight from the USSR follows the leading characters to learn more about their motivations and aspirations. The novel has been adapted for stage and was one of the most successful plays at Georgian Free Theater.

Dato Turashvili is a bestselling Georgian author whose books are translated into 20 languages. Born in 1966, he studied literature, film and art history at Tbilisi, London and Madrid Universities. Most of
Dato Turashvili’s fiction is based on true events. His novel Flight from the USSR is a number-one bestseller in Georgia. Currently, he also works as a TV presenter and reviews new books on-air. He lives and works in Tbilisi.

The novel tells a story of chivalry, brotherhood, and a fractured homeland in the 19th century Georgia.

Baduna Pavneli, a young nobleman, is imprisoned for killing a Russian officer. While in jail, he misses a routine visit to the asylum to see his mentally disabled brother, Tedia.

Upon his release, Baduna discovers that Tedia has gone missing –

he has wandered off and could be anywhere. Determined to find him, Baduna sets off westward from Tiflis on a desperate search. All the while, Russian authorities pursue him across a divided Georgia: the eastern regions under Russian control. The western part of Georgia in the meantime leaning toward the Ottomans.

As we follow Baduna’s journey, the backstory gradually unfolds, revealing how their mother was kidnapped when they were only children, and taken from the east – westward.

Aka Morchiladze (the pen name of Giorgi Akhvlediani) is arguably the most renowned contemporary Georgian writer. He studied and later taught Georgian History at Tbilisi State University, and also wrote for sports newspapers. Over the years, he has authored more than 30 books. Some of his works have been adapted into films and plays.

Morchiladze is the recipient of numerous literary awards in Georgia.

In 2018, he served as the honorary spokesperson at the Georgia Guest of Honour opening ceremony at the Frankfurt Book Fair. His books have been translated into multiple languages and are published in 13 countries.