Two brothers, Big and Small, are trapped at the bottom of a well. They have no food and little chance of rescue. Only the tempting spectre of insanity offers a way out. As Small's wits fail, Big formulates a desperate plan.
With the authority of the darkest fables, and the horrifying inevitability of all-too-real life, Repila's unique allegory explores the depths of human desperation and, ultimately, our almost unending capacity for hope.
“A traditional tale that demands to be read at another level. This precise, solid, and disturbing novel demonstrates wisdom.” El País
“Human desperation vs the necessity of hope, told via fairytale, this is big picture writing at it's most imaginative and unpredictable.” Huffington Post
“If suffocation and disgust are the dominant sensations, this book of beautiful language, is a delight.” Le Monde de Livres
“This novel is, above all, the moving story of a savage and tender love between brothers, whatever its allegorical meaning” New Statesman
“This novel is, above all, the moving story of a savage and tender love between brothers, whatever its allegorical meaning” New Statesman
“A provocative allegory”. The Guardian