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Cover of The Galley Slave
Historical Fiction· Slovenia

The Galley Slave

by Drago Jančar
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1978Slovene
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About This Book

When Drago Jančar published The Galley Slave in 1978, it quickly found its place in the broader tradition of historical fiction. In 'The Galley Slave', Drago Jančar presents a gripping tale set in the 17th century, exploring themes of freedom, oppression, and the human condition. The novel follows the journey of a man who is wrongfully imprisoned and forced to serve as a galley slave. Jančar's vivid storytelling and deep philosophical insights make this work a cornerstone of Slovene literature. Themes of freedom and oppression, human condition, injustice run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorDrago Jančar
Published1978
Country of Origin🇸🇮 Slovenia
LanguageSlovene
Category🗺️ Historical Fiction
ISBN978-1585679953
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

🗺️ Historical Fiction

Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

Explore all Historical Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇸🇮 Slovenia

This book is part of Slovenia's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Slovenia →

Editorial Assessment

First published in 1978, Drago Jančar's The Galley Slave is a work of historical fiction that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with freedom and oppression, human condition, injustice, historical narrative gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre. Critics and institutions have consistently placed The Galley Slave among the notable works of its period. Our aggregate score of 30/100 is compiled from 0 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. The appeal of The Galley Slave lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of freedom and oppression, human condition, injustice, historical narrative is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. Within Slovenia's literary landscape, Drago Jančar occupies a significant position. The Galley Slave is both a personal artistic statement and a contribution to a tradition shaped by the country's history and cultural concerns.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from multiple independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.
✍️
About the Author
Drago Jančar
Slovenia
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Drago Jančar is a Slovenia author whose work in historical fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Galley Slave about?

In 'The Galley Slave', Drago Jančar presents a gripping tale set in the 17th century, exploring themes of freedom, oppression, and the human condition. The novel follows the journey of a man who is wrongfully imprisoned and forced to serve as a galley slave. Jančar's vivid storytelling and deep philosophical insights make this work a cornerstone of Slovene literature.

Who wrote The Galley Slave?

The Galley Slave was written by Drago Jančar, from Slovenia. First published in 1978.

What awards has The Galley Slave won?

The Galley Slave has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is The Galley Slave worth reading?

The Galley Slave is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in freedom and oppression, human condition, injustice.

Where can I buy The Galley Slave?

You can buy The Galley Slave on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Galley Slave?

The Galley Slave is classified as Historical Fiction. Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

What country is The Galley Slave from?

The Galley Slave originates from Slovenia's literary tradition. Explore more books from Slovenia on our country page.

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