Aka Morchiladze

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.