The Plait

"The Plait is a masterpiece novel, narrated in an exceptional way. The satirical portrayal of politics adds depth to the narrative" (Book reviewer).

Set in Russia and Afghanistan, the characters of The Plait have little in common yet are bound by love - like a Multi-Strand Braid. The story follows Misha, a promising student at Moscow University. His life takes a drastic turn when he is expelled for entertaining his fellow students with satirical shows, including using an image of the great leader Brezhnev as toilet paper, leading to his assignment to war-torn Afghanistan. There, he endures unimaginable torture and suffering, mirroring the plight of a bamboo reed severed from its bed and drilled with holes.

Misha's path crosses with a spiritual figure known as the Master, who plays Rumi's "song of separation" on his bamboo flute. This encounter profoundly alters Misha's life. He likens himself to a reed, feeling as though the Master's rendition of the song echoes his own feelings of separation and intense love, resonating along his tumultuous journey. As Misha navigates the horrors of war and forges unexpected connections, including with the independent and alluring Aryana, his journey takes unexpected turns, challenging him to confront his deepest fears and desires.

Upon Misha's presumed death, a chain of events unfolds in Moscow, testing the loyalty of his friends to his widowed mother. Decades later, Misha returns home, determined to enact change as he embarks on the latter half of his life. When a series of dramatic events in the Kremlin, under Putin's rule, engulfs him and his two high-ranking friends, Natasha and Yaakov, the friendship that has sustained them throughout student and adult life is tested as never before.

In The Plait, the author brings us a rich tale of belonging and identity, love and trauma, memory and amnesia, freedom and peace, and startling heroism.

Readers have fallen in love with The Plait:

"A brilliant novel. The author is a fascinating storyteller who keeps the readers thoroughly entertained. His debut novel is a real page-turner!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"I really enjoyed this amazing novel. It's interesting and funny. I highly recommend this book." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"It's an intriguing novel and it sends a very touching message to the reader. One of the best novels I've read. Definitely recommend!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"It's a very interesting book with a hidden, heart-touching message." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐