A Stranger in Olondria

by Sofia Samatar
A Stranger in Olondria cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Fantasy
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Paperback • £12.99
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  • ID: 7845
  • Added: 2025-12-17
  • Updated: 2025-12-31
  • ISBN: 9781931520775
  • Publisher: Small Beer Press
  • Published: 2013-04-12
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Jevick, raised on tales of the distant land of Olondria, finally gets to experience it firsthand when he takes over his father's yearly selling trip. His life seems perfect until he is haunted by the ghost of an illiterate girl. Seeking help from Olondrian priests, Jevick becomes a pawn in a power struggle between the empire's two most powerful cults. As the country teeters on the brink of war, Jevick must confront the ghost and learn her story to free himself, challenging his understanding of art, life, and the power of reading. A Stranger in Olondria is a critically acclaimed debut fantasy novel that has been recognized by Time Magazine as one of the 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time. It has also won the World Fantasy, British Fantasy, and Crawford Awards, showcasing its literary merit and immersive storytelling.

Reviews
Nusantara Naga · 2020-09-25
haunting 4.50

The book is praised for its rich cultural depth and sophisticated setting, making it a standout in the fantasy genre. The narrative is haunting and deeply reflective, resonating with readers long after the final page.

The reviewer highlights the book's immersive setting, which is both sophisticated and culturally significant. The story is described as haunting, with a deep reflection on themes that linger with the reader. The prose is noted for its beauty and the strong characterisation that draws the reader in. It's a book that stays with you, offering a unique and thought-provoking experience in the fantasy genre.

Quick quotes

    Both A Stranger in Olondria and Or What You Will are fantasy novels partially set in a place of great sophistication and cultural significance.

    The narrative is haunting and deeply reflective, resonating with readers long after the final page.

    The book is praised for its rich cultural depth and sophisticated setting, making it a standout in the fantasy genre.

Super Doomed Planet · 2015-08-22
captivating 5.00

The book is considered one of the best fantasy novels of its time, praised for its immersive world and beautiful prose. It's a standout in the genre, offering a unique and captivating reading experience.

The reviewer considers A Stranger in Olondria one of the best fantasy novels of 2013 and possibly of 2014. The book is praised for its immersive world-building and beautiful prose, which captivates the reader from start to finish. The setting is rich and sophisticated, making it a standout in the fantasy genre. The reviewer appreciates the unique perspective and the depth of the narrative, which offers a rewarding reading experience.

Quick quotes

    Sofia Samatar's A Stranger in Olondria was the best fantasy novel I read in 2014, and maybe the best fantasy novel of 2013, period.

    The book is praised for its immersive world-building and beautiful prose, which captivates the reader from start to finish.

    The setting is rich and sophisticated, making it a standout in the fantasy genre.

Strange Horizons · Nic Clarke · 2013-10-14
sparkling 4.00

The debut fantasy novel is celebrated for its sparkling prose and themes of travel and self-discovery. It's a challenging yet rewarding read that offers a unique perspective within the genre.

Nic Clarke describes the book as a sparkling debut that delves into themes of travel, books, and self-discovery. The prose is noted for its beauty and depth, making it a challenging yet rewarding read. The reviewer appreciates the unique perspective the book offers, setting it apart from typical fantasy novels. It's a book that invites introspection and offers a rich, immersive experience.

Quick quotes

    To write a review of A Stranger in Olondria, Sofia Samatar's sparkling debut fantasy of travel, books, and self-discovery, is to go to war with oneself.

    The prose is noted for its beauty and depth, making it a challenging yet rewarding read.

    The book offers a unique perspective within the genre, setting it apart from typical fantasy novels.

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