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by Shahsamen Murray (Author), Mattew Naumann (Editor), Varvara Perekrest (Illustrator)
The Kyrgyz-British novelist Shahsanem Murray was born in Kyrgyzstan and settled in Edinburgh, UK after marrying her husband Gordon Murray. With a degree in Philology and speaking three languages fluently, writing is a natural past time for her. After completing a translation of one of her Uncles book from Kyrgyz into both English and Russian two years ago, she then set about writing her own first novel. This first novel can trace its roots and influences to many aspects of her life. Clan cultures in both Scotland and Kyrgyzstan along with travelling to many corners of the world provided a framework for a story through the ages and the continents of the world. Whilst a keen interest in Politics, International Business, Poetry, Films and Art provided threads and strands for back-stories and sub-plots as well as many factual references and content. Outwith writing Shahsanem works with a number of colleagues to arrange cultural events, and endeavours to promote Central Asia throughout Scotland and the UK "Murray's first book provides an enticing and novel link between her adopted home town of Edinburgh and her origins form Central Asia. Beginning with an investigation into a mysterious lamp that turns up in an antiques shop in Edinburgh, and is bought on impulse, we are quickly brought to the fertile Ferghana valley in Uzbekistan to witness the birth of Kara-Choro, and the start of an enthralling story that links past and present. Told through a vivid and passionate dialogue, this is a tale of parallel discovery and intrigue. The beautifully translated text, interspersed by regional poetry, cannot fail to impress any reader, especially those new to the region who will be affectionately drawn into its heart in this page-turning cultural thriller."
