Kongoli’s book “The loser” translated to English

TIRANA, Nov.27- The Seren publishing house announced last week the publication of the book “The loser” by Fatos Kongoli, a direct translation form Albanian by the well-known linguist Robert Elsie. “The loser” is described as one of the most important novels to emerge in early transition Albania, published first in 1992. It is a moving portrayal of the suppression by a controlled press and other repressive state mechanisms, not just of art, but of a whole people denied their freedom. It is a personal story of love and loss as well as a collective experience of dictatorship. The important French magazine, Le Figaro, has concluded that Kongoli is proof that behind the oak of Kadare there is a forest of talent in this corner of the Balkans. Translator Robert Elsie is recognized an expert since he has primarily dealt with Albania and published almost 40 books including research papers, literary translations and articles. Kongoli is one of the most powerful voices of Albanian narrative.