Broken April

Broken April

• Genre: Literary fiction
• Originally Published: 1978
• Reading Level/Interest: College/Adult
• Structure/Length: Novel divided into 7 chapters; approx. 218 pages
• Protagonist/Central Conflict: Broken April is a novel by Albanian author Ismail Kadare. The central conflict revolves around Gjorg Berisha, a young man living in the highlands of Albania, where an ancient code known as the Kanun dictates the rules of blood feuds. After Gjorg kills a man in a blood feud, he becomes caught in a cycle of vengeance and death. The novel explores themes of tradition, honor, and the tragic consequences of the blood-feud system.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Themes of violence, blood feuds, cultural practices, and the objectification of women

Ismail Kadare, Author

• Bio: Born 1936; Albanian author known for his contributions to world literature and his exploration of themes related to history, politics, and culture; celebrated for his novels, essays, and poetry; draws inspiration from his experiences in Albania
• Other Works: The General of the Dead Army (1963); The Palace of Dreams (1981)
• Awards: Prince of Asturias Award (2009); Man Booker International Prize (2005); Prix mondial Cino Del Duca (1992)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:

• Normalized Violence Causes a Cycle of Pain and Death
• Women Face Hardships in Traditional and Modern Societies
• Change Is Possible but Difficult

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Teaching Guide, students will:

• Develop an understanding of the historical and sociological perspectives regarding the role of blood feuds in traditional rural Albania, which impacts Gjorg’s character development.
• Analyze paired texts and other brief resources to make connections via the text’s themes of Normalized Violence Causes a Cycle of Pain and Death, Women Face Hardships in Traditional and Modern Societies, and Change Is Possible but Difficult.
• Draft and present a research paper that demonstrates an understanding of the effects of customary codes of law on traditional cultures, based on textual details.
• Evaluate the characters, themes, and messages of the text in structured essay responses on violence, the role of women, and other topics.