The Tiger’s Wife by Tea Obreht

“The Tiger’s Wife” is a novel by Tea Obreht, first published in 2011. It is set in an unnamed Balkan country and follows the story of a young doctor, Natalia Stefanovic, as she investigates the mysterious circumstances surrounding her grandfather’s death.

The novel weaves together multiple narratives and timelines, exploring themes of love, loss, and the power of storytelling. Through Natalia’s search for answers, the reader is introduced to a cast of memorable characters, including her grandfather, a veterinarian who cared for the local zoo’s tiger, and the titular tiger’s wife, a deaf-mute woman who was said to have a special bond with the animal.

Obreht’s prose is lyrical and evocative, and her descriptions of the Balkan landscape are particularly vivid. The novel is also notable for its exploration of the region’s complex history and the impact of war and political upheaval on its people.

“The Tiger’s Wife” is a powerful and haunting novel that offers a unique perspective on the legacy of war and the importance of storytelling in preserving cultural memory. It won the 2011 Orange Prize for Fiction and was a finalist for the National Book Award, cementing Obreht’s status as a rising star in the literary world.