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Literary Fiction· Lithuania

Vilnius Poker

by Ričardas Gavelis
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1989Lithuanian
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About This Book

Ričardas Gavelis's Vilnius Poker (1989) stands as one of the most significant works of literary fiction of its era. 'Vilnius Poker' by Ričardas Gavelis is a complex and dark exploration of life in Soviet-occupied Lithuania. The novel's intricate narrative structure and philosophical undertones provide a scathing critique of totalitarian regimes and the dehumanizing effects of political oppression. It is considered a landmark in Lithuanian literature for its bold narrative style and its unflinching examination of power and paranoia. Themes of totalitarianism, paranoia, power run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorRičardas Gavelis
Published1989
Country of Origin🇱🇹 Lithuania
LanguageLithuanian
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9789955231059
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇱🇹 Lithuania

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

Explore books from Lithuania →

Editorial Assessment

First published in 1989, Ričardas Gavelis's Vilnius Poker is a work of literary fiction that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with totalitarianism, paranoia, power, oppression gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre. Critics and institutions have consistently placed Vilnius Poker 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. What distinguishes Vilnius Poker is how it handles its central concerns — totalitarianism, paranoia, power, oppression — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. Vilnius Poker reflects Ričardas Gavelis's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with Lithuania'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

BBC Big Read
list · global
20030
✍️
About the Author
Ričardas Gavelis
Lithuania
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Ričardas Gavelis is a Lithuania author whose work in literary fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vilnius Poker about?

'Vilnius Poker' by Ričardas Gavelis is a complex and dark exploration of life in Soviet-occupied Lithuania. The novel's intricate narrative structure and philosophical undertones provide a scathing critique of totalitarian regimes and the dehumanizing effects of political oppression. It is considered a landmark in Lithuanian literature for its bold narrative style and its unflinching examination of power and paranoia.

Who wrote Vilnius Poker?

Vilnius Poker was written by Ričardas Gavelis, from Lithuania. First published in 1989.

What awards has Vilnius Poker won?

Vilnius Poker has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is Vilnius Poker worth reading?

Vilnius Poker 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 totalitarianism, paranoia, power.

Where can I buy Vilnius Poker?

You can buy Vilnius Poker on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Vilnius Poker?

Vilnius Poker is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is Vilnius Poker from?

Vilnius Poker originates from Lithuania's literary tradition. Explore more books from Lithuania on our country page.

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