2014: A Stranger In Olondria

A stranger in Olondria follows Jevick the 2nd son of an influential trader from the city of Tyom. Even though he was born and grew up in the Tea Islands, Jevick is captivated by the tales of faraway Olondria, the remote country where his father trades his goods. When Jevick has the chance to participate in the spice trade and travel there, he discovers a country that seems similar but also, at the same time, entirely foreign. Olondria is in the midst of a complicated religious conflict over whether or not ghosts exist —and when Jevick lands up haunted by an actual ghost, Olondria enfolds him into its' darkest betrayals, intrigues and mysteries.Why it's on the listThis book is pure elegant poetry. Samatar's imagery is invigorating and mesmerizing. The side characters are particularly enchanting and riveting.The whole book is, essentially, an ode to the joys (and perils) of reading (and writing). You'd expect other book addicts to be appreciative of this! The world of Olondria is interesting and well-drawn, and very different from any other fictional world.The language is dense and beautiful, and the reader will be rewarded for sticking with it to the sad yet disquieting ending.Read it if you likeStrange lands and faraway cultures