This slim book by Russian modernist writer Aleksei Remizov is a haunting little gem. Written in German as 'Die Schwestern im Kreuz,' it feels like stepping into a world where the rules are just slightly off.

The Story

The plot is deceptively simple. A man is desperately looking for his sister, who has vanished. His search pulls him through a landscape that's part early 20th-century Russia and part timeless folk myth. He encounters strange figures, hears echoes of old legends, and faces obstacles that feel both real and symbolic. The journey becomes less about finding a physical person and more about navigating a labyrinth of memory, faith, and family bonds stretched to their breaking point.

Why You Should Read It

Remizov's writing is the real star here. It's poetic and dense, but in a good way—every sentence feels carefully placed. He masterfully blends the gritty reality of his time with the magical spirit of Russian folklore. You're never quite sure if the characters are dealing with actual events or the stories they tell themselves to survive. It creates a unique, melancholic mood that's hard to shake. It's not a fast read; it's one you sip slowly, letting the atmosphere sink in.

Final Verdict

Perfect for readers who love atmospheric, literary fiction and don't mind a story that asks more questions than it answers. If you enjoy authors who play with myth and reality, like Bruno Schulz or even the darker fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm, you'll find a lot to love here. It's a brief, intense visit to a uniquely crafted world.