Tula writer Shmarakov Roman Lvovich gained fame largely due to his translations from Latin of ancient Roman poets. At the moment, he leads his blog on one of the well-known portals, and also works on his own compositions.
The main essence of the book
In 2015, Roman Shmarakov released the work "The Book of Starlings." This creation is written in the genre of historical prose. However, the presentation of events related to historical facts is unique and rather peculiar. The author takes the reader to the 13th century and reveals to him an amazing way of thinking and knowledge of the Italian monks of that time.
The book is built on the dialogue of three monks of different generations. There is a wise old man, and a mature man who spent an eventful life, and a young man who still has a lot to understand in life and everything is interesting to learn. Shmarakov Roman quite skillfully and filigree wields various real facts, myths and biblical tradition, organically weaving them into a discussion of characters.
Plot and characters
The motivation for the dialogue between the characters of the work is an abnormal event: a huge cluster of starlings near the monastery. The monks begin to arise all kinds of associations and memories. The old Kelar presents positive facts that are not devoid of fiction and mysticism. The younger character, the hospital, has a certain degree of rationalism, he also knows the story very well, but for the most part its tragic moments. His stories are more mundane, he is trying to find benefit in everything.
A young man named Fortunat Shmarakov Roman assigns a small role in his work. This is understandable, the young man was just an unwitting witness to the appearance of starlings. He is just beginning his conscious life, so there are more questions in his head than answers. However, his presence is of practical importance. After all, he asks questions to Kelar, exactly the kind that any reader would like to ask. Thus, the reader, as it were, directly communicates with the ancient sage.
The author Shmarakov Roman recalls everything that is known in the history of starlings as a sign from above. But obsession with specifically these birds he can not be traced. On the contrary, the narrative is replete with the most different and unusual other signs of fate, the interpretations of which could be the same, but in the end the circumstances were completely different.
Who is this book for?
This book is a wonderful exercise for the mind. To understand the long monologues of heroes requires a good concentration from the reader. The book certainly makes you think about many things, while it strikes with its logical construction of dialogues. The author adheres to the peculiarities characteristic of the manner of communication of educated people of the beginning of the 13th century, which are difficult for perception, thereby very interesting to real scholars. Therefore, a superficial reading will lead to the fact that the reader simply does not catch the point and postpones the reading.
The Book of Starlings is not at all a chaotic collection of unusual ancient stories. This is not a book of fairy tales, and especially not for children. It is saturated with a philosophy that only adults can understand. Shmarakov Roman confronts two fundamentally different outlooks on life. Monks argue, but at the same time retain respect for each other and brotherly love.