Akbilek by Zhusipbek Aimautov

The Stories of Modern Kazakh Prose

Zhusipbek Aimautov, a teacher by training, served as the editor-in-chief of Abai magazine and the newspaper Kazak tili. He also left a significant literary legacy as the author of the novels Kartkozha (1926) and Akbilek, as well as a number of other works. Akbilek is a psychological novel that was first published in 1927 in the magazine Equal Rights for Women.

Aimautov was accused of counter-revolutionary activities and shot in 1931. His works were banned, so his books were removed from libraries and destroyed. The novel Akbilek was only rehabilitated and republished in 1989. It was one of the first Kazakh novels to describe Kazakh village life during the massive social transformations of the early 20th century. We are guided through these events by following the difficult fate of Akbilek, a girl who has the misfortune of being born both beautiful and rich. She soon becomes a victim of men, every one of whom seems to betray her. Yet she remains strong despite the worst of humiliations, fighting fiercely for her right to be happy.