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Cover of The Three-Arched Bridge
Historical Fiction· Kosovo

The Three-Arched Bridge

by Ismail Kadare
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
#33,448of 99,626 books
Published 1978Albanian
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About This Book

When Ismail Kadare published The Three-Arched Bridge in 1978, it quickly found its place in the broader tradition of historical fiction. In 'The Three-Arched Bridge', Kadare weaves a tale set in medieval Albania, exploring themes of power, superstition, and the clash between East and West. The novel uses the construction of a bridge as a metaphor for the cultural and political tensions of the time. It is acclaimed for its rich narrative and historical depth. Themes of power and control, superstition, cultural clash run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorIsmail Kadare
Published1978
Country of Origin🇽🇰 Kosovo
LanguageAlbanian
Category🗺️ Historical Fiction
ISBN9781559705931
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

🇽🇰 Kosovo

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

Explore books from Kosovo →

Editorial Assessment

First published in 1978, Ismail Kadare's The Three-Arched Bridge is a work of historical fiction that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with power and control, superstition, cultural clash, historical change gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre. Critics and institutions have consistently placed The Three-Arched Bridge among the notable works of its period. Our aggregate score of 30/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. The appeal of The Three-Arched Bridge lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of power and control, superstition, cultural clash, historical change is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. The Three-Arched Bridge reflects Ismail Kadare's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with Kosovo's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 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.

Awards & Recognition

The New Yorker
notable · global
20010
✍️
About the Author
Ismail Kadare
Kosovo
View Author →

Ismail Kadare is a Kosovo author whose work in historical fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Three-Arched Bridge about?

In 'The Three-Arched Bridge', Kadare weaves a tale set in medieval Albania, exploring themes of power, superstition, and the clash between East and West. The novel uses the construction of a bridge as a metaphor for the cultural and political tensions of the time. It is acclaimed for its rich narrative and historical depth.

Who wrote The Three-Arched Bridge?

The Three-Arched Bridge was written by Ismail Kadare, from Kosovo. First published in 1978.

What awards has The Three-Arched Bridge won?

The Three-Arched Bridge has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is The Three-Arched Bridge worth reading?

The Three-Arched Bridge 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 power and control, superstition, cultural clash.

Where can I buy The Three-Arched Bridge?

You can buy The Three-Arched Bridge on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Three-Arched Bridge?

The Three-Arched Bridge is classified as Historical Fiction. Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

What country is The Three-Arched Bridge from?

The Three-Arched Bridge originates from Kosovo's literary tradition. Explore more books from Kosovo on our country page.

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