Perestroika - An Eye for an Eye, a Tooth for a Tooth - Joao Cerqueira - Bog

Finalist for the 2021 Eyland Awards, Finalist for Fiction Factory Chapter Novel Competition 2012, winner of the Bronze Medal in the 2023 Latino Book Awards, Winner 2023 HFC European Book of the Year

In the turbulent landscape of an alternate Europe lies the captivating tapestry of "Perestroika," a literary masterpiece that weaves together the threads of revenge, redemption, and catharsis against the backdrop of an imaginary country called Slavia. With a masterful narrative, this novel stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of humanity in the face of political upheaval.

As the specter of Perestroika sweeps across Europe, communist regimes crumble, and a new era dawns in the People's Republic of Slavia. In the corridors of power, former leaders grapple with the harsh reality of change, while those who suffered under their rule seek justice and revenge.

Amidst the chaos, the central figure emerges - Lia Kirchner, a woman driven by the shadows of her father's tragic fate in a re-education camp. As the daughter of a painter who perished, Lia embarks on a quest for truth that intertwines with the larger tapestry of political intrigue and personal vendettas.

President Alfred Ionescu, once an influential leader, finds himself confined in an asylum of his own making. Zut Zdanov, the head of culture, faces the haunting specter of his dark past in an encounter with allegations of child abuse. Helena Yava, fueled by the grief of losing a lover, seeks vengeance by any means possible. Igor Olin, the steward of the economy, battles for the dignity of his disabled son in a world grappling with change. Meanwhile, art historian Silvia Lenka delves into the mysteries of her own parentage.

Drawing inspiration from Pilate's eternal question-"what is truth?"-Perestroika is a kaleidoscope of history, politics, arts, tragedy, and humor. In a world echoing the fall of the Berlin Wall and mirroring the rise of leaders inspired by figures like Putin and Trump, the novel transcends conventional genres, offering a unique blend of entertainment and intellectual depth.