23 Thought-Provoking Books About Georgia (the Country)

Despite Georgia’s turbulent history and many years of occupation, a strong cultural identity has endured along with a rich literary tradition. So, although literature in English translation can be a challenge to find, one of the best ways to get to know this land is through books about Georgia; fiction and non-fiction, local writers and outside perspective.

If you visit, you’ll see the influence of the written word everywhere from placenames such as Rustaveli Street (named for Shota Rustaveli, the equivalent of Shakespeare in Georgia, mentioned below) to the completely unique Georgian alphabet, as well as in the deliciously varied collection of bookshops and literary museums in Tbilisi, including a former propaganda printing press run by Stalin (yes, Stalin was Georgian!).

This eastern pocket of Europe has a lot to offer an intrepid bookworm. So, let’s start here, if you’re interested in learning more about Georgia through literature, here is a list of essential books to dive into:

I’ve included Amazon links to each book, but you can also read where to get e-books and audiobooks for free and how to listen to audiobooks on Spotify for alternatives. (Check out how to gift Kindle books and how to gift Audible for other digital versions.)

Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using this link, but at no cost to you.

Fiction Set in Georgia

1. Ali and Nino by Kurban Said

“Here we are, representatives of the three greatest Caucasian people: a Georgian, a Mohammedan, an Armenian. Born under the same sky, by the same earth, different and yet the same, like God’s Trinity. European, and yet Asiatic, receiving from the East and West, and giving to both.”

Translator: Jenia Graman

One of the greatest loved novels in Georgia is Ali and Nino by Kurban Said (whose interesting life story is just as novel-worthy), which revolves around a love story between a Christian Georgian girl and a Muslim Azerbaijani boy. There are even statues dedicated to the lovers in Batumi, Georgia’s seaside city.

Not only do the couple have to overcome cultural and religious differences, as well as resistance from their families, but the novel takes place in the early 20th century against the backdrop of the First World War, Russian Revolution and Azerbaijan’s war for independence.

I loved this book for the authentic detailed descriptions of the Caucasus; it’s the perfect introduction to the region, its history, and the complex relations between neighbours Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, which still play out today. But also, it’s just a truly beautiful love story.

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2. The Knight in the Panther’s Skin by Shota Rustaveli

“Every rose will fade and wither, no matter though it once was fair.
The dry rose falls within the garden, a new rose arises there.”

Translator: Marjory Wardrop

Written in the 12th century, The Knight in the Panther’s Skin by Shota Rustaveli is one of Georgia’s greatest literary works. The epic poem tells the story of Prince Tariel and his adventures, love, and struggles in a world of chivalric honour.

It’s an essential read for understanding Georgian national identity and literary history, and it’s surprising how often the name Rustaveli crops up or artwork relevant to the story can be found around Tbilisi and beyond.

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3. The Eighth Life by Nino Haratischwili

“And if you don’t know who you are, then look at all the possible versions of you, find the most impossible one, and become that.”

Translators: Charlotte Collins and Ruth Martin

A sweeping family saga spanning several generations, The Eighth Life by Nino Haratischwili explores the tumultuous history of Georgia in the 20th century, from the Soviet era to the present day. Haratischwili masterfully weaves together personal and historical narratives, offering deep insights into Georgian culture and politics.

Warning: this book is long. I listened The Eighth Life on audible, which was over 40 hours in length, over a period of around two weeks (including a 10-hour marshrutka minivan journey from Mestia to Tbilisi). As you can see from the screenshot above, I had to listen to it on 1.5x or else I felt I’d never finish it.

Nino Haratischwili is a Georgian-born German writer and writes in German, so her work is often easier to find in English translation.

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4. Hard by a Great Forest by Leo Vardiashvili

“They say you can never go home again. But what if you can? What if you should? What if no matter what you do with your life, you’ll somehow always end up in that place you didn’t want to leave?”

Hard by a Great Forest follows the journey of Saba, a man who, after fleeing war-torn Georgia as a child, is haunted by the past and his family’s trauma. When his father, Irakli, returns to their homeland decades later, he mysteriously disappears, leaving behind a cryptic message. Saba embarks on a journey to uncover his father’s fate, delving into the heart of Georgia’s conflict-ridden history while confronting the personal and collective scars of war.

This modern novel presents a deep reflection on the human condition, exploring themes of love, loss, and the painful realities of life in contemporary Georgia. It’s a poignant portrayal of Georgian society and its struggles in the post-Soviet era.

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5. Journey to Karabakh by Aka Morchiladze

Translator: Elizabeth Heighway

Morchiladze’s novel delves into the personal and political intricacies of Georgia’s relations with its neighbouring countries. In Journey to Karabakh, a young man from Georgia travels to the contested region of Karabakh to buy cheap drugs, but is taken prisoner first by Azeris and then by Armenians. During his captivity, he begins to question what awaits him back home and grapples with the concept of freedom.

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6. Flight from the USSR by David Turashvili

Flight from the USSR tells the gripping and tragic story of Gega Kobakhidze, a young actor, and his seven friends who hijack a plane in 1983, attempting to flee the Soviet Union and escape to Türkiye. Their plan fails, leading to their imprisonment, with several members of the group killed.

Set against the backdrop of Georgia’s turbulent history, the novel blends historical fact with fiction, exploring themes of desperation, rebellion, and the cost of freedom, all while capturing the intense drama of the moment with vivid, compelling characters and dialogue.

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7. A Man Was Going Down the Road by Otar Chiladze

Translator: Donald Rayfield

A novel that merges the personal with the mythical, Chiladze’s A Man Was Going Down the Road offers a deep psychological exploration of Georgian society and history. The narrative is filled with symbolism and allegory, providing readers with a profound understanding of Georgian culture.

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8. Kvachi Kvachantiradze by Mikheil Javakhishvili

“Life is a struggle. What you can grab from it is yours, what you can’t is lost.“

Translator: Donald Rayfield

A darkly comic novel that reflects Georgian society’s flaws and contradictions. Kvachi Kvachantiradze is an anti-hero who embarks on an outrageous journey full of irony and satire, offering a humorous yet critical view of Georgian life.

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9. The Girl King by Meg Clothier

“I’ve been many things – bold, rash maybe, and lucky – but I don’t think I’ve ever been really brave. Doing what you want, even if it’s difficult or painful, that isn’t brave. Doing what you have to do – however much it hurts, however much you hate it – that’s courage.”

A historical fiction novel set in Georgia, The Girl King tells the tale of Tamar, a remarkable queen of Georgia, and her rise to power during the 12th century. Tamar’s reign is celebrated in Georgian history (like Rustaveli, you’ll see her name everywhere and according to legend, the poet was in love with the queen and she may have even loved him back). This novel brings Queen Tamar’s legacy to life.

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More Works By Georgian Authors

10. Galaktion Tabidze Poems

“In the silence of the night, the soul reveals itself to the stars.”

Translator: Innes Merabishvili

Galaktion Tabidze is one of Georgia’s greatest poets, and his work reflects the country’s deep cultural and emotional landscape. His poems explore themes of love, sorrow, and the beauty of Georgia’s landscapes, all while showcasing his unique lyrical voice.

A Georgian friend gave me this copy to read through during my four months in the country (hence the above photo with the coffee and croissant – the best way to enjoy poetry, in my opinion). What really struck me about this collection is the magic of translation; hats off to Innes Merabishvili for creating poetry so beautiful that it’s hard to believe that it wasn’t originally written in English.

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11. Vazha Pshavela Short Stories

Vazha Pshavela is a towering figure in Georgian literature. Another gift from my bookish Georgian friend, these short stories often center on rural Georgia and its people, exploring themes of honour, nature, and the struggle between tradition and modernity. Vazha Pshavela’s work is both poetic and thought-provoking, offering insights into Georgian folklore and myth.

I couldn’t find this specific book online, but here’s an alternative book of Vazha Pshavela’s works:

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12. Waiting for the Electricity by Christina Nichol

Waiting for the Electricity is a humorous and satirical debut novel set in post-Soviet Georgia, where corruption and confusion reign in the wake of communism.

The story follows Slims Achmed Makashvili, a humble maritime lawyer who dreams of bringing American-style efficiency and opportunity to his homeland after discovering an internship program sponsored by Hillary Clinton. As he travels to San Francisco, hoping to learn about progress and reform, Slims’s idealism is tested by the reality of both his chaotic country and the American dream.

The novel is a witty exploration of modern life, corruption, and the clash of cultures.

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Non-Fiction About Georgia

The following non-fiction recommendations are mainly memoirs, most of which are by foreigners who view and interpret the country from an outsider’s perspective, which I find can also be helpful for context and understanding:

13. My Dear Son: The Memoirs of Stalin’s Mother by Ekaterine (Keke) Jughashvili

A deeply personal account from Stalin’s mother, this short, dictated memoir offers a unique look at the formative years of the man who would become one of history’s most notorious dictators. It provides an intimate view of Soviet Georgia and the family behind the dictator.

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14. Bread and Ashes by Tony Anderson

Bread and Ashes takes readers on a journey through the political and social landscape of post-Soviet Georgia. Anderson’s narrative is an in-depth exploration of the country’s struggles, including the impact of the civil war and the influence of Russia.

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15. Stories I Stole by Wendell Steavenson

Stories I Stole is a travelogue and memoir that recounts Steavenson’s time spent in Georgia, exploring the culture, history, and people of the country. Through her interactions with locals and immersion in Georgian life, Steavenson brings a fresh perspective on this fascinating corner of the world.

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16. Please Don’t Call It Soviet Georgia by Mary Russell

Please Don’t Call It Soviet Georgia is a memoir that reflects on the author’s time in Georgia during the Soviet era. This book offers personal anecdotes and reflections on life in Soviet Georgia, providing a nuanced view of the country during a time of great political tension and change.

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17. Georgia Diary by Thomas Goltz

Georgia Diary: A Chronicle of War and Political Chaos in the Post-Soviet Caucasus is a compelling diary gives an insider’s perspective on Georgia’s turbulent transition from Soviet rule. Goltz explores the wars, political upheaval, and the everyday challenges faced by the Georgian people as they sought to establish a new identity in the post-Soviet world.

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18. Blind Descent by James M. Tabor

While not entirely about Georgia, Blind Descent: The Quest to Discover the Deepest Cave on Earth features the country’s incredible cave system, including the depths of the Veryovkina Cave, the deepest cave on Earth. It’s an adventurous tale of exploration, adventure, and discovery in the rugged terrain of the Caucasus.

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19. Russian Colonialism 101 by Maksym Eristavi

Eristavi’s work addresses the legacy of Russian imperialism in Georgia and other parts of the Caucasus. This thought-provoking graphic book provides critical insights into how Russia’s colonial past continues to affect the region today.

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Books About Georgian Food

If you take nothing away from this article about Georgia’s incredible history and culture, then at least go for the food! The legend goes that God made Georgia from his own table scraps and having enjoyed a delectable array of fresh breads and cheeses, aromatic soups and hearty stews, as well as a suitable amount of local wine over the winter, I’m inclined to agree.

20. Tasting Georgia by Carla Capalbo

A celebration of Georgia’s rich culinary heritage, Tasting Georgia: A Food and Wine Journey in the Caucasus with Over 70 Recipes takes readers through the flavours and traditions of Georgian cuisine. With more than 70 recipes, Capalbo brings the unique food culture of Georgia to life, along with the country’s deep connection to wine-making.

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21. For the Love of Wine by Alice Feiring

For the Love of Wine: My Odyssey through the World’s Most Ancient Wine Culture explores Georgia’s ancient winemaking traditions, which date back thousands of years. Feiring shares her personal journey of discovery as she explores the origins of wine in Georgia, a country considered the birthplace of viticulture and which still honours the traditional method of winemaking.

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22. The Georgian Feast by Darra Goldstein

A deep dive into the food culture of Georgia, Goldstein’s book explores not only the recipes but the significance of food in Georgian culture and society. Georgian Feast: The Vibrant Culture and Savory Food of the Republic of Georgia is a fascinating exploration of the role of food in bringing people together, celebrating heritage, and preserving tradition.

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Honourable Mention: The Book Wanderer by Nata Leah

I also have to shout-out The Book Wanderer by Georgian writer Nata Leah. I picked it up in Stamba Bookshop in Tbilisi, one of my favourite bookstores in Tbilisi, not only because of the excellent title but also because it’s about a Georgian girl who moves to Birmingham, in the UK, (my home city) and then goes on to study English Literature at university. So basically, my life!

To be honest, it’s not the best written book in the world, but as one of the first books I read set in Georgia, it gave me some great cultural and historical context, which is why I love page travelling (book wandering?) in the first place.

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More Books About Georgia

These books, ranging from epic poems to modern narratives, paint a complex and beautiful picture of the country. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or culinary delights, these works are a fantastic starting point for discovering all that Georgia has to offer.

Yet, they’re only a starting point. If you have any further recommendations for books about Georgia, especially those readily available in English translation, please leave your suggestions in the comments below.

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More Fantastic Books & Where to Find Them

For more of what to read where, check out my full Travel Books Guide, filled with book recommendations for different destinations, the most beautiful bookstores around the world, tips on how to get the best deals on audiobooks and e-books, as well as more literary travel.