Days gone by

Preface by Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva, Head of the Karimov Foundation Love, loyalty, jealousy, betrayal Days Gone By is a tale of epic proportions, the story of two young lovers ensnared by the social constraints of their day. Set in Central Asia in the mid 1800 s, the novel takes us on a fascinating journey through the exotic cities, picturesque villages and vast steppe of the ancient Silk Road. Our companions are merchants and jesters, dashing heroes and dastardly villains, lovestruck maidens and bewitching beauties. With his lyrical prose and understated humour, Qadiri brings all these characters to life with almost nostalgic tenderness. Yet he does not shy from raising some uncomfortable issues the role of women, for instance, or the concept of filial duty that ultimately contribute to the tragedy which befalls his Romeo and Juliet. Hailed as the first full-length novel ever written in the Uzbek language, Days Gone By is as pertinent today as it was in the 1920 s because the timeless values it explores will resonate with every age and generation.