EXPRAEDIUM

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The story follows the journey of Brathki on his epic quest for Urmashu. Brathki is more of a martyr, and he defies societal norms, even going against his own family. Brathki’s path is fraught with fascinating encounters, perilous adventures, and impassioned liaisons. As he navigates through these experiences, readers are left to ponder whether he will triumph in his quest and perhaps even find love along the way. Brathki’s inner struggles and challenges serve to further enrich his complex character and draw readers deeper into the story.

As a reader, I must admit that I have never encountered a book quite like Expraedium before. From the description alone, I was unsure what to expect. Upon learning that the book took twenty years to write, my anticipation grew, and I was eager to explore this literary masterpiece. However, I found myself somewhat disappointed, as the book did not meet all my expectations.

One of the most striking aspects of Expraedium is its disregard for conventional English norms. As a fan of disruptive works, I initially found this aspect intriguing. The author has formulated his language with an origin that remains enigmatic. Grammar appears to be of little concern to the author, which can be both fascinating and confusing for readers.

The book also touches on controversial topics such as politics and religion, albeit subtly. The author does not seem to write to impress, and at times, it is difficult to grasp his intentions with the book. Each line unfolds as if it were an entirely different story on its own, creating a disjointed yet captivating narrative. The characterization was somehow intriguing. I saw plenty of unfamiliar names, and I struggled to keep up and memorize each one. The sentences in the book can get very awkward sometimes, for example, “A birthday to a Zoule uttered not”. I have no idea what that means, and there were plenty more like it.

With its distinct language, mythological nuances, and exploration of provocative themes, it presents a demanding yet rewarding read. While it may not appeal to everyone, Expraedium offers an unparalleled reading experience for those who appreciate unconventional books.

Despite my initial disappointment, I cannot deny that it is a thought-provoking and daring work of fiction. It challenges readers to expand their literary horizons and question the norms that often constrain creative expression. While it may not have met all of my expectations, Expraedium by Armen Melikian remains an unforgettable reading experience that has left a lasting impression on me.


Reviewed By:

Author Armen Melikian
Star Count 3.5/5
Format Trade
Page Count 262 pages
Publisher Erzenka Publishing House
Publish Date 01-Oct-2023
ISBN 9780971807051
Bookshop.org Buy this Book
Issue June 2023
Category Modern Literature
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