A Constellation of Vital Phenomena-A Phenomenal Novel

Anthony Marra created a masterpiece of writing with his first novel, "A Constellation of Vital Phenomena."  This miraculous debut takes place over 5 incredulous days during war torn Checnya under attack by Russia in 2004.  War generally speaking is evil and advisably avoided.  All the unbearable horrors that occurred are offset in Marra's novel by the sliver of humanity that prevailed.  These 5 days are majestically woven into a nonlinear timelines spanning backwards with glimpses into the future.   Events & people are hauntingly webbed together.  Some connections are bonded together and others left with enigmatic holes.  The main characters are from small ravaged villages in Checnya.  Sonja is a surgeon working in a hospital with minimal staff & few supplies, trying to tend the wounded soldiers & remaining locals.  Akmed, a flailing Dr. and aspiring artist flees with Havaa, the young daughter of a slain friend to the hospital where Sonja works.  She agrees to care for Havaa in exchange for Akmed's medical assistance.  Sonja mentors Akmed "to teach him that saving a life & nurturing a life are different processes."  Havaa teaches them that love is what chooses a family.  "The years wash away your evidence, 1st you, then your friends & family, then the descendants…"  History writes itself.  Marra has written a miraculous phenomena of immense depth & grace.