Ismail Kadaré quotes

Ismail Kadaré is an acclaimed Albanian novelist, poet, and essayist, recognized for his penetrating explorations of Albanian history and society. His works have been translated into many languages and earned international literary awards. He is regarded as one of the most significant voices in modern European literature. Here are 10 of his quotes:

If an animal has to be sacrificed when a new bridge is built, what will it take to build a whole new world?

Ismail Kadaré

It was only a phrase that went from mouth to mouth and was never quite swallowed.

Ismail Kadaré

Thick smoke like a herd of black horses was rising over the massive building and being blown around by the wind.

Ismail Kadaré

The days were heavy and sticky. All identical, one the same as the other. Soon they would even get rid of their one remaining distinction, the shell of their names: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday.

Ismail Kadaré

And everything would be different, different.

Ismail Kadaré

A mountaineer's house, before being his home and the home of his family, is the home of God and of guests.

Ismail Kadaré

Can one move an empire as if it were a house?

Ismail Kadaré

Can a country's people be better than its planes?

Ismail Kadaré

The writer is always to some extent in exile, wherever he is, because he is somehow outside, separated from others; there is always a distance.

Ismail Kadaré