White Moss

Title: White Moss

Author: Anna Nerkagi (translated by Irina Sadovina)

Rating: ★★★★★

Review: I mean, just wow! This has dethroned A Prayer For Owen Meaney as my favourite book of all time.

There is so much to say here. The book describes the lives of the Nenets, nomadic natives of Siberia, or at least a handful of them. Taking centre stage is Ilne, a girl we neither see nor hear from. Built around her absence are two character arcs – Alyoshka, who pines after her as a lost love; and Petko, who has lost a daughter in her. Their redemption narratives drive the story, and provide incredible metaphors and imagery along the way.

The writing in this novel is remarkable. Lyrical, poetic, beautiful, at times raw. Quite literally, every page is full of memorable phrases and language. There is not a word wasted.

I can’ find a single thing wring with this book. It’s perfect. Thank you Anna Nerkagi and Irina Sadovina for bringing me this.