The Day Lasts More than a Hundred Years [Paperback]

Chingiz Aitmatov (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0253204828 | ISBN-13: 978-0253204820 | Publication Date: February 22, 1988

"... a rewarding book." —Times Literary Supplement

Set in the vast windswept Central Asian steppes and the infinite reaches of galactic space, this powerful novel offers a vivid view of the culture and values of the Soviet Union's Central Asian peoples.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, Russian (translation) --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Indiana University Press (February 22, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0253204828
• ISBN-13: 978-0253204820
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #535,172 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating book, May 28, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Day Lasts More than a Hundred Years (Paperback)

Aitmatov was always my favorite writer. I read almost all of his books in russian. But this is the first one I read in english. I would say, translation was excellent. This book describes ordinary working kazakh people in Sarozek, Kazakhstan. Aitmatov masterfully connects their life with the political situations as well as kazakh traditions. Aitmatov describes humanity and dignity of ordinary people who are unaware of what is going on at the space station. His SF with aliens and discovery of a new planet only enrich the main story, let readers think of humanity, role of human being, meaning of life. I would suggest to read this book everybody. You will discover Aitmatov as one of greatest writers of modern day.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A classic - lyrical and full of life, November 17, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (New Jersey, U.S.A.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Day Lasts More than a Hundred Years (Paperback)

Rarely have I read a book so rich and wise, that speaks so knowingly of the human condition in this historical moment. A great story, with captivating stories within the main story, memorable characters, and a love for the earth and all its people, despite our follies and tragedies. This book, which somehow manages to combine naturalism, historical realism, legend and folklore, and science fiction, will emerge as a classic of the twentieth century.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Interesting, December 9, 2004

By 

L Samma "L Samma" (Virginia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Day Lasts More Than a Hundred Years (Hardcover)

This is a great book for people who are interested in kazhak culture and russian history. This novel delves into the mind of Burrunyi Yedigi as he makes a journey to bury his friend in an old cemetary on the steppe. Aitmatov uses these stories to make a stand against technology and point out the importance of nature and culture in every day human life. This is a good read, and I highly recommend it.