Apple in the Trunk

Apple in the Trunk by Uladzislaŭ Navažylaŭ is a raw, evocative novel that immerses readers in the chaotic transformation of post-Soviet Belarus. Set against the backdrop of Perestroika, the collapse of the Soviet Union, the brief window of political freedom in the 90s, and the rise of dictatorship, this autobiographical narrative follows a boy navigating a world he never chose.

With a sharp blend of anti-irony, humor, magical realism, and music, Uladzislaŭ Navažylaŭ —founder and frontman of the legendary Belarusian doom folk metal band Gods Tower—captures the gritty realities of Soviet and post-Soviet life. His unapologetic storytelling brings to life the emotional, surreal, and rebellious moments of a generation caught between ideology and oppression.

The title Apple in the Trunk serves as a metaphor for the tension between individual potential and the collective reality that stifle it, embodying the wasted opportunities, hidden truths, and existential struggle for meaning that plague the protagonist’s life.

Apple in the Trunk is a must-read for those interested in Soviet and post-Soviet culture, heavy metal enthusiasts, and anyone grappling with the universal fight for freedom and personal fulfillment. Prepare for an intense, unforgettable journey.