Summary of The Man Who Spoke Snakish
Set in a mythical version of Estonia in the Middle Ages, “The Man Who Spoke Snakish” is a novel with phantasy elements, about an ancient people living in the Estonian forests who speak “Snakish” with the animals. This people’s culture is in steep decline, with many leaving the forest to seek modern live in Estonian villages, embracing Christian religion instead of their ancient ‘pagan’ traditions.
Reasons to read The Man Who Spoke Snakish
“The Man Who Spoke Snakish” is a novel for readers who love folktale and phantasy stories, but do not necessarily need trolls, werewolves, or wizards. It is a deeply allegorical novel about the loss of one’s roots and community. “The Man Who Spoke Snakish” was a bestseller in Estonia and in France. It was awarded the Stalker Award for Estonian science fiction in 2008, and the French ‘Grand Prix de l’imaginiaire’ for best foreign-language novel in 2014. The New York Journal of Books called it a “fantastical Bildungsroman” with “the feel of a classic”. The author, Andrus Kivirähk, is a celebrated contemporary Estonian writer.
Setting: Estonia
Book set in Estonia: The forests where “The Man Who Spoke Snakish” is set are not named specifically, but they are likely situated in southern Estonia.
Original title: Mees, kes teadis ussisõnu
Year of publication: 2007
Nr of pages: 400
