Today, there is increasing interest in the modern Georgian literary scene. Contemporary Georgian writers are contributing to its dynamic growth. Georgian writers travel abroad with translated versions of their works to foreign publications and festivals. Georgian literature allows us to mark it on the literary world map. For example, one of the most significant events in this regard was Georgia's presentation as an honoured guest at the 2018 Frankfurt Book Fair.
Of course, publishers are no less active than writers, and both play an essential role in our society. They are the place where civil society continues to support democratic values in Georgia. You will often see Georgian writers at demonstrations with non-governmental organizations and ordinary citizens on TV screens and social media.
This is not news at all because, directly or covertly, literature has always been one of the most critical and influential tools for Georgian writers since time immemorial. As we examine modern Georgian writers, their significant role in contemporary literature began in the second half of the 20th century. Georgian writers opposed the Soviet regime with literary narratives. Modern writers such as Otar Chiladze, Guram Dochanashvili, Chabua Amirejibi, Jemal Karchkhadze and Otar Chkheidze are noteworthy from this period. These authors made a significant contribution to the literary scene. You can learn or remember their outstanding works in our online bookstore.
Georgian postmodernist novels on VELI
In the VELI.Store our online book store, outstanding works by modern Georgian writers are presented: starting from the 50s of the last century, including today's editions.
You can choose the most suitable books by genre and age category according to your interests.
Postmodern novels prevail here. Most modern writers are postmodernists. Postmodernism was introduced in the 90s of the last century, associated with the political and social situation in the country and the "lost generation". Writers played an essential role in this post-independence period: the difficult years when the country struggled to reassess its values and free itself from Soviet ideology.
It is not surprising that there are so many postmodern texts that try to reorganize the national narrative. Their characters live in our time, or in the past, in Tbilisi districts in the 90s. However, they are not simple heroes. Today's literature interests complex characters, and the more versatile they are, the more intriguing they are for the reader.
Modern Georgian writers today
Today, modern Georgian writers tell us about the country's past and present but also hope for the future. Their books give us an idea of the challenges faced by the recently liberated, post-Soviet, Georgian literature. What have we achieved, and what path of development and self-determination are we on? In the process of identity research and formation, many modern Georgian novels were written. Contemporary Georgian authors have turned the story into a genre.
You can notice several trends in these novels' themes:
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I am rethinking the past century (historical, intellectual, and ethnographic).
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The trauma of the post-Soviet era has returned to me.
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Searching for the identity of a Georgian and his place in the world, the process of self-determination and the reflection of modern everyday life.
Often, readers enjoy these stories since they are life stories, character-focused, and sometimes they travel back in time as well.
With a variety of exciting projects, a number of publications contributed to the development of modern writers, as well as their works. For example, for more than two decades, Sulakauri, Intelekti, Artanuji and Palitra L publishing houses have been especially supporting Georgian authors and introducing their works to readers.
The significant contribution of the "Saba" literary prize, which evaluates Georgian literature and awards the winning books and authors, should be noted. In the last five years, "Saba" has awarded Aka Mojladze (6-time winner of "Saba"), Lasha Bugadze (5-time winner), Beso Solomanashvili and Tamta Melashvili. In 2022, the best novel prize went to two writers, Irma Tavelidze and Archil Kikodze. During the award's existence, more than one exciting author has been discovered. In addition, people working in different fields who tried their hand at the literary arena for the first time. For the last five years, Zura Jishkarian, Temur Babluani, Maya Tsyramua, Irine Tabahua, Nana Abuladze and Temo Rekhviashli have received the title of "Best Literary Debut of the Year" in the nominations. You can learn about the nominees and winners of the "Saba" Literary Award in our online store, updated every year as the awards approach.
"Tbilisi International Book Festival" is no less critical for modern Georgian writers. Georgian authors' books often become bestsellers.
Buy your favourite books online at Veli.Store
Read Georgian from VELI.Store. Here, the finest books from modern Georgian writers have been selected for you. Buy online, reread or discover original Georgian literature.
You will receive your book in Tbilisi and beyond. You can order books from Veli in any district of Georgia, and delivery is available even in the regions.
