DRIVE YOUR PLOW OVER THE BONES OF THE DEAD-MARCH 2022 BOOK SELECTION

 OlgaTokarczuk-is a critically acclaimed Polish writer and winner of The Nobel Prize for Literature and the Booker Prize among others. Her novel, Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead is a murder-mystery which also examines the moral issues of man’s use and misuse of nature.

The story focuses on the life of an elderly woman, Janina Duszejko, who lives in an isolated, rural setting in Poland. The book begins with the discovery of the death of a disliked neighbor. We learn bit by bit of her belief in the sanctity of nature and all living things. She spends most of her time studying astrology and translating the poetry of William Blake. She also teaches English to young children in the closest town.

Several deaths follow the first one. All the deaths have one thing in common, all victims were hunters and abusers of nature. Janina attempts to help the police by suggesting the men murdered were killed by the animals they abused. Her explanations are waved away as the rantings of a mad old woman.

Every character encountered is fully drawn and gives insight into another aspect of Janina. Wholly original, fascinating story.