Valdemaras' Thoughts

“Vilniaus Džiazas“ - the book by Ričardas Gavelis engrossed me completely until the moment I finished reading it. The novel is not only extremely captivating, but it is also interesting because it narrates about my city. Despite Vilnius being very different now, it is a good feeling to know the streets and the places where the action is taking place.

The narrative is built around the life of a physics student Tomas Kelertas and his friends. Briefly put, the book speaks of the search for identity during the times of communism oppression. It talks little about communism as a political regime, it instead analyses its impact on human mind.

The plot fluctuates with the rhythm of jazz, unnoticeably jumping from one character to another, immersing the reader into different emotions and perceptions. As you read on the plot becomes more and more surreal, with the visitors from the parallel worlds, characters suddenly gaining telepathic powers and talking to already dead philosophers or musicians.

Definitely a good read, especially for people who have had an opportunity to live in Vilnius.