"Set against a backdrop of uncertainty and mystery, this complex examination of the human heart in its most vulnerable and incapacitated state is Mesa Selimovic's finest work."

• World Lit Gem

Set in Sarajevo in the late 19th century, the novel tells the story of a dervish named Sheikh Nuruddin who is deeply devoted to his spiritual practices and beliefs. But when his younger brother is arrested and sentenced to death on false charges, Nuruddin is forced to confront the realities of the world around him and question everything he thought he knew.

One of the key themes in Death and the Dervish is the power of love. Throughout the novel, Nuruddin is faced with a series of difficult decisions, and it is his love for his brother that drives him to take action. This love is not just limited to familial relationships, however, as Nuruddin also encounters people from all walks of life who show him compassion and kindness despite the adversity he faces. Through these interactions, the novel highlights the power of love to bridge differences and bring people together.

And, as the title suggests, death is a constant presence in the novel, and the question of what happens after we die is one that Nuruddin grapples with throughout the book. Through his conversations with other characters and his own experiences, Nuruddin comes to understand that death is not an end, but rather a transition to something greater. This idea is central to the novel’s exploration of spirituality, as Nuruddin learns that our purpose in life is to seek union with a higher power.

Despite the deep philosophical and spiritual questions the book raises, it is written in a straightforward and engaging style that draws readers in and holds their attention from start to finish. The narrative is also infused with moments of humor and irony, which help to balance the weightier themes and keep the story from becoming too heavy-handed.

Through its exploration of love, death, and spirituality, the novel offers a powerful meditation on the human condition and the meaning of life.

A philosophical fiction at its finest!