Zuleikha (novel)

Zuleikha is a novel by Guzel Yakhina, originally published in Russian in 2015 under the title Zuleikha otkryvaet glaza (Зулейха открывает глаза), which translates to Zuleikha Opens Her Eyes. It has been translated into numerous languages, including English.

The novel tells the story of Zuleikha, a young Tatar woman living in a remote village in rural Soviet Russia in the 1930s. During the period of dekulakization under Stalin, Zuleikha and other villagers, branded as "kulaks" or enemies of the people, are forcibly deported to Siberia.

The narrative follows Zuleikha's arduous journey and survival in a harsh, unforgiving environment. It explores themes of resilience, motherhood, love, and the struggle for humanity in the face of political oppression and extreme adversity. The novel also examines the impact of Soviet ideology on the lives of ordinary people and the complexities of identity in a rapidly changing society.

Zuleikha was a critical and commercial success, winning several prestigious literary awards in Russia. The English translation has also been well-received, bringing the story to a wider international audience. The novel has been adapted into a Russian television series.