Book Talk: "The President's Cat"

In Guram Odisharia's novel "The President's Cat," the vibrant character Mikheil Bghazhba takes center stage, captivating readers across 20 languages. He was a revered figure in the folktales of Sukhumi, the multicultural hub of Abkhazia during the latter part of the 20th century.

Despite his stature as a high-ranking official within the Soviet regime, specifically the first secretary of the Communist Party of Abkhazia, Mikheil stood out for his kindness and empathy. He was known for his compassionate approach, earning respect and admiration from people of all backgrounds.

The novel's protagonist tragically met his end during the tumultuous Abkhazia conflict of 1992-1993, unable to endure the pain of witnessing the strife and loss endured by his friends and community. Odisharia's narrative beautifully unravels the captivating stories of Abkhazia's coastline and the intricate relationships among its inhabitants. Notably, the novel transcends language barriers, being translated into Bghazhba's native Abkhazian language.
"The President's Cat" is viewed as a symbolic bridge by European writers, captivating the interest of both Georgians and Abkhazians despite their separation due to the conflict.

Host or Publisher Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies