25/05/2023
Mira by Bermet Bukasheva
Sovereign Publishing, New York, 2014
Renowned Kyrgyz journalist Bermet Bukasheva writes this historical novel as a brilliant mix of fact and fiction. The country name and plot details originate in the creativity of the author; but, as a journalist and historian, she has based this exciting political thriller on real events in her homeland between 2005 and 2010—events that she experienced as a leading political commentator. The action takes place around major political players of those years: the president and his family members, key opposition figures, and diplomats and senior officials of the US State Department. Bermet Bukasheva notes, "The crisis of moral standards in both domestic politics and foreign policy; cynicism and corruption as functional norms in government; revolution not as an end in itself but as a necessity—these are the realities of our time, which one country exemplifies in this book. While the novel's main characters may seem familiar, they are mostly fictional. Yet the actual historical events upon which the novel is based may seem like the fiction of a political thriller—featuring brutal murder, insidious violence, conspiracies, revenge, money, and complex human relationships." The author is a political journalist and historian, with a background as publisher of the newspaper Litsa (Kyrgyzstan, 1998–2009), laureate of the union of journalists, advisor to the speaker of the Kyrgyz parliament, and twice a candidate for parliament. In addition to press articles, she has authored various literary works. This is a novel by a courageous woman who is unafraid to write the truth. In 2009, with her two-year-old son in her arms, Bermet was forced to flee Kyrgyzstan. She found refuge and a second home in the United States, and fell in love with our country. But at the same time, remaining true to the professional principles of a serious journalist, she sees flaws in the government and politics of both Kyrgyzstan and America. Our country's great democratic tradition encourages the creative growth of such journalists and writers as Bermet Bukasheva. On many levels, this book illustrates the heartbreak of betrayal—and the hope of redemption.
