“It is an immense treasure that actors have the opportunity to interpret Marinaj’s
work - such poetic art that comes from an incredible poet.”
—Veli Rada – RTSH TV Show Host
“Gjekë Marinaj is an unparalleled poet. With the existence of his work, the
Albanian poetry and literature is much more competitive with the literatures of the
Balkans, Europe, and even outside of these borders. I hope that the level of
fairness and professionalism of literary awards in Albania will continue to be as fair
as this award because we are so accustomed to seeing competitions where the
first prize is awarded and yet the recipient of the second prize would, in reality,
deserve the first prize. (A comment on the ceremony of Pjeter Arbrori Literary
Award presented to Marinaj in 2008.)"
—Çerçiz Loloci, Writer
“I think the jurors who awarded the Pjeter Arbrori Literary Award to Gjekë Marinaj
have made an excellent selection based on his quality of poetry, which has a
universal value. They have made an exceptional selection because of his
conceptual imagination of a great writer who incorporates his country into his
poetry as a universe where planets do not collide with each other, but nourish
each other with light and energy. (A comment on the ceremony of Pjeter Arbrori
Literary Award presented to Marinaj in 2008.)”
—Besnik Mustafaj, Writer, Former Foreign Minister of Albania (2005-2007)
“Translated into many languages, the twenty-one-line poem, “Horses”, is
considered the most trustworthy poetic icon that reflects the Albanian reality
during its dictatorship period.”
—Cindy Hulbert, The Durango Herald
“His poems, full of feelings, are part of his overall formation or development.
These and other qualities that fulfill the portrait of Gjekë Marinaj have earned him
great respect of his colleagues.”
—Ramadan Bigza, Albania Press
“Poems that must be read more than once; Marinaj’s verse is a mixture of
intellectualism and esthetics that cannot be anything less than breathtaking.”
—Anonymous, Z. Shqiptare
“The newness that we find in Gjekë Marinaj’s poetry is a civilized verse dressed in
art. By a civilized verse, I mean refilling the old poetic vessel of poetry with a new
brew. This “new wine” is a production of ancient fruit grafted with his multi-leveled
erudition. The poet dares to mix in his verse an antique culture - biblical and
contemporary - with hidden knowns and unknowns of the genetics of humanity’s
mysterious cosmos with that of concrete and abstract, freedom and nature.”
—Vangjush Ziko, Z. Shqiptare
“Marinaj’s poems are valuable for the younger poets as textual reference of the
best model of artistic poetry, especially for those who are just starting. Every poem
puts one into meditation and leaves you with great impressions. The rich spiritual
world of this poet is present in every word, in every line, in every stanza. The
metrics and the rhythm of his line sounds are like the finest of musical cords. His
work translates into an unparalleled esthetic pleasure to the reader.”
—Tomë Mrijaj, Kuvendi
“From the creative pens like that of Gjekë Marinaj the art of poetry, itself,
strengthens its reputation. Within his verse breezes an astonishing poetic beauty.
When I read the poetry of Gjekë Marinaj, I see clearly that my self-importance
increases. His work contributes so strongly to the betterment of poetry as an art
form.”
—Ali R. Berisha, Writer
“The poetry of Gjekë Marinaj has forced me to delve deeper into poetry. I must
say one will do that with such an important and unique poet of the Albanian
culture. Enriched by his characteristically colorful metaphors his verse is notably
his.”
—Nexhat Rexha, Poet
“After reading his book [Prayer on the Eighth Day of the Week], I was pleasantly
surprised that a distinguished writer like Marinaj is also a man of fierceful
emotions. His are a mountaineer’s feelings that project the finest of cultural
enlightenment. Through his affectionate lines, we feel his warmth but we are not
singed from his poetic flames and that is true poetry.”
—Marjan Bunaj, Writer
“Gjekë Marinaj who became a well-known name is an inspiration and model for
every successful Albanian emigrant. His difficult road to success is a roadmap for
every Albanian writer who desires to create a name for him or herself in Albanian
literature.”
—Gjekë Gjonaj, Koha Javore
“Gjekë Marinaj is the pride of the Malësia e Madhe and Albania. Our country
misses the presence of such a great intellectual but, on the other hand, he is
honoring us wherever he goes.”
—Edmond Ndoja, Comment
“Gjekë Marinaj has undertaken a difficult mission to bring Frederick Turner’s
sonnets into Albanian. Utilizing precise words and meanings, Marinaj has given
absolute priority to a faithful translation.”
—Preç Zogaj, Mapo Review
"Marinaj erupts on the scene with all the brilliance of youth and the erotic energy
of the mature adult. He shows us a way of seeing the world—beyond magical
realism, beyond the metaphysical conceit, even beyond the colorful surrealism of
Eastern Europe—that reveals how very much we are still in the first hopeful dawn
of human civilization.”
—Frederick Turner, Express
“Gjekë Marinaj has distinguished himself as a writer. Renowned authors have
accorded him the highest praise for the excellence of his poetry. His writings are
notable, among other things, for the originality of his thought, the vivid imagery,
and the wide range of the subject matter. As an artist of the written word, he has a
remarkable and enviable record of accomplishments.”
— Peter R. Prifti, Translator
“Gjekë Marinaj is a most sincere lover of literature with a mind like a sponge. He’s
a natural walking around poet.”
—Ed Garcia, B. Courier
“Gjekë Marinaj is one of the most distinguished Albanian poets of our time. He
belongs among Europe's best poets. In his poetic universe, there transpires a
superb harmony between the high spirit of the Balkans—the continent’s most
storied region—and the Earth-bound reality of existence.... As often happens with
true poets, the poetic spirit moves from his life to his verse and vice versa.”
—Ismail Kadare, a candidate for Nobel Prize in Literature, TEMA
“Gjekë Marinaj has many hidden facets. An Albanian-American icon, he has
proved to be a poetic genius who shyly reveals his complex past with each stanza.
With a mere pen, this one person has done more for Albanian society than any
politician has ever dreamed of doing. Watch him grow.”
—Charlotte Karam, Translator
"Gjekë Marinaj has daringly created a new and sophisticated poetic code. His
verse, an asset to contemporary poetry, places the bar high for other poets to
meet."
—Mujë Buçpapaj, Nacional
“…’a first-rate poet’… Gjekë Marinaj understands the illuminating power of the
written word in a nation that wishes to be free. His commitment to writing was born
out of a harrowing personal tale of dissent and retribution.”
—Brent Flynn, The Dallas Morning News
“Gjekë Marinaj’s poems deal directly with life’s problems. They are instantaneously
inspirational, at once lyrical and sensitive, clear and abstract. He reconciles these
extremes by creating equilibrium between opposing ideas, contrasting imagery,
and antithetical meanings. Above all, his poems are authentic, singular
compositions, uniquely elegant in their motives, figurative style, poetic perception
and vividness. His is a verse we must distinguish as first-rate poetry.”
—Ramadan Musliu, Poeteka
“In the troubled and turbulent times we inhabit, it is rare to find a voice of
stillness—an anchor to which we can attach our trust. With the world changing
every day, and not always for better, we require the safe harbor of sanity and
soundness. In the poignant poetry of Gjekë Marinaj, we do find such a sanctuary."
—Wm. L. Dubnov, Phoenix Review
“The mission of the artist, and therefore of the poet, is for Gjeke Marinaj the sum
of that dream toward which humanity is moving. Ideally, if not practically, Marinaj
attributes to the poet religious significance, seeing him as the highest theological
consciousness on earth.”
—Agron Tufa, Poet
“The poet Gjekë Marinaj has achieved impressive versatility in his creative work.
Effortlessly, he extends his reach from poetry to journalism and vice versa. Posing
intelligent, insightful questions to the icons of Albanian and international art,
literature, politics and sports, he offers his Albanian readers a book of interviews
that is as interesting as it is meaningful."
—Arben Çokaj, Illyria
Marinaj’s “poem was a sensation. Papers flew off the stands; by mid-morning the
entire country had sold out, but word of mouth continued to spread like wildfire.
Those with a newspaper would scribble copies of the poem on scraps of paper to
pass to strangers. Some recited the poem to passersby on the street. The entire
country was abuzz with excitement over what the unknown young poet had written.”
—Eric Nicholson, The UTD Mercury
“When I entered his studio, it was filled with an intellectual air, as if a pleasant
Albanian breeze were blowing through. It was something that would inspire one to
remember to fly with the dalenduchie to Shkodra, and, from there, all over
Albania.”
—Adnan Mehmeti, Pavarësia News
“In a way, it is a joy to see that a writer from the Balkans, one of the most
outstanding poets of my country, still stands firm, even though he has lived two
decades in the heavenly kingdom of the United States of America. Gjekë Marinaj
is the name of this graceful poet who, just as a range of high mountains has
enriched the soil of his country, he has fertilized the imagination of his generation
with unmatched poetic skill. This is a challenge that inspires all of today’s Balkan
poets to move inexorably forward toward the pinnacle of poetic achievement.”
—Dashamir Cacáj, Atdheu
“Gjekë Marinaj attained sudden notoriety in Albania when he published an
allegorical anti-Communist poem titled Kuajt (“Horses”). To evade arrest, he fled
his native country, eventually migrating to America, where he has since published
a number of books, among them Infinit (“Infinite”), 2000; and Lutje në ditën e tetë
të javës (Prayer on the Eighth Day of the Week).”
—Peter R. Prifti, Translation Review
My title of this review “Gjekë Marinaj’s poems like Bible-pages” is influenced by the
multi-layers of meanings that are present in his verse and by the poli-spheres of
his overall poetic act that leaves his readers with a sense of faith.
—Dhurata Hamzai, Tema
“Gjekë Marinaj symbolizes a new peak in Albanian poetry; his innovative and
contemporary-specific poetic elements are truly distinctive within the body of
Albanian literature of the last two decades.”
—Ndue Ukaj, Drita
“Contemporary critics have placed the ideo-artistic values of Marinaj’s verse at the
same rank with that of Camaj, Reshpja, Agolli and other distinguished names of
the Albanian and world literature.”
—Mikel Gojani, Shqip
“…Marinaj’s collection of poems “Prayer of the eighth day of the week”, in my
opinion, is an exception; the book is beautifully designed and artistically satisfying.”
—Anton Gojçaj, Koha Javore
work - such poetic art that comes from an incredible poet.”
—Veli Rada – RTSH TV Show Host
“Gjekë Marinaj is an unparalleled poet. With the existence of his work, the
Albanian poetry and literature is much more competitive with the literatures of the
Balkans, Europe, and even outside of these borders. I hope that the level of
fairness and professionalism of literary awards in Albania will continue to be as fair
as this award because we are so accustomed to seeing competitions where the
first prize is awarded and yet the recipient of the second prize would, in reality,
deserve the first prize. (A comment on the ceremony of Pjeter Arbrori Literary
Award presented to Marinaj in 2008.)"
—Çerçiz Loloci, Writer
“I think the jurors who awarded the Pjeter Arbrori Literary Award to Gjekë Marinaj
have made an excellent selection based on his quality of poetry, which has a
universal value. They have made an exceptional selection because of his
conceptual imagination of a great writer who incorporates his country into his
poetry as a universe where planets do not collide with each other, but nourish
each other with light and energy. (A comment on the ceremony of Pjeter Arbrori
Literary Award presented to Marinaj in 2008.)”
—Besnik Mustafaj, Writer, Former Foreign Minister of Albania (2005-2007)
“Translated into many languages, the twenty-one-line poem, “Horses”, is
considered the most trustworthy poetic icon that reflects the Albanian reality
during its dictatorship period.”
—Cindy Hulbert, The Durango Herald
“His poems, full of feelings, are part of his overall formation or development.
These and other qualities that fulfill the portrait of Gjekë Marinaj have earned him
great respect of his colleagues.”
—Ramadan Bigza, Albania Press
“Poems that must be read more than once; Marinaj’s verse is a mixture of
intellectualism and esthetics that cannot be anything less than breathtaking.”
—Anonymous, Z. Shqiptare
“The newness that we find in Gjekë Marinaj’s poetry is a civilized verse dressed in
art. By a civilized verse, I mean refilling the old poetic vessel of poetry with a new
brew. This “new wine” is a production of ancient fruit grafted with his multi-leveled
erudition. The poet dares to mix in his verse an antique culture - biblical and
contemporary - with hidden knowns and unknowns of the genetics of humanity’s
mysterious cosmos with that of concrete and abstract, freedom and nature.”
—Vangjush Ziko, Z. Shqiptare
“Marinaj’s poems are valuable for the younger poets as textual reference of the
best model of artistic poetry, especially for those who are just starting. Every poem
puts one into meditation and leaves you with great impressions. The rich spiritual
world of this poet is present in every word, in every line, in every stanza. The
metrics and the rhythm of his line sounds are like the finest of musical cords. His
work translates into an unparalleled esthetic pleasure to the reader.”
—Tomë Mrijaj, Kuvendi
“From the creative pens like that of Gjekë Marinaj the art of poetry, itself,
strengthens its reputation. Within his verse breezes an astonishing poetic beauty.
When I read the poetry of Gjekë Marinaj, I see clearly that my self-importance
increases. His work contributes so strongly to the betterment of poetry as an art
form.”
—Ali R. Berisha, Writer
“The poetry of Gjekë Marinaj has forced me to delve deeper into poetry. I must
say one will do that with such an important and unique poet of the Albanian
culture. Enriched by his characteristically colorful metaphors his verse is notably
his.”
—Nexhat Rexha, Poet
“After reading his book [Prayer on the Eighth Day of the Week], I was pleasantly
surprised that a distinguished writer like Marinaj is also a man of fierceful
emotions. His are a mountaineer’s feelings that project the finest of cultural
enlightenment. Through his affectionate lines, we feel his warmth but we are not
singed from his poetic flames and that is true poetry.”
—Marjan Bunaj, Writer
“Gjekë Marinaj who became a well-known name is an inspiration and model for
every successful Albanian emigrant. His difficult road to success is a roadmap for
every Albanian writer who desires to create a name for him or herself in Albanian
literature.”
—Gjekë Gjonaj, Koha Javore
“Gjekë Marinaj is the pride of the Malësia e Madhe and Albania. Our country
misses the presence of such a great intellectual but, on the other hand, he is
honoring us wherever he goes.”
—Edmond Ndoja, Comment
“Gjekë Marinaj has undertaken a difficult mission to bring Frederick Turner’s
sonnets into Albanian. Utilizing precise words and meanings, Marinaj has given
absolute priority to a faithful translation.”
—Preç Zogaj, Mapo Review
"Marinaj erupts on the scene with all the brilliance of youth and the erotic energy
of the mature adult. He shows us a way of seeing the world—beyond magical
realism, beyond the metaphysical conceit, even beyond the colorful surrealism of
Eastern Europe—that reveals how very much we are still in the first hopeful dawn
of human civilization.”
—Frederick Turner, Express
“Gjekë Marinaj has distinguished himself as a writer. Renowned authors have
accorded him the highest praise for the excellence of his poetry. His writings are
notable, among other things, for the originality of his thought, the vivid imagery,
and the wide range of the subject matter. As an artist of the written word, he has a
remarkable and enviable record of accomplishments.”
— Peter R. Prifti, Translator
“Gjekë Marinaj is a most sincere lover of literature with a mind like a sponge. He’s
a natural walking around poet.”
—Ed Garcia, B. Courier
“Gjekë Marinaj is one of the most distinguished Albanian poets of our time. He
belongs among Europe's best poets. In his poetic universe, there transpires a
superb harmony between the high spirit of the Balkans—the continent’s most
storied region—and the Earth-bound reality of existence.... As often happens with
true poets, the poetic spirit moves from his life to his verse and vice versa.”
—Ismail Kadare, a candidate for Nobel Prize in Literature, TEMA
“Gjekë Marinaj has many hidden facets. An Albanian-American icon, he has
proved to be a poetic genius who shyly reveals his complex past with each stanza.
With a mere pen, this one person has done more for Albanian society than any
politician has ever dreamed of doing. Watch him grow.”
—Charlotte Karam, Translator
"Gjekë Marinaj has daringly created a new and sophisticated poetic code. His
verse, an asset to contemporary poetry, places the bar high for other poets to
meet."
—Mujë Buçpapaj, Nacional
“…’a first-rate poet’… Gjekë Marinaj understands the illuminating power of the
written word in a nation that wishes to be free. His commitment to writing was born
out of a harrowing personal tale of dissent and retribution.”
—Brent Flynn, The Dallas Morning News
“Gjekë Marinaj’s poems deal directly with life’s problems. They are instantaneously
inspirational, at once lyrical and sensitive, clear and abstract. He reconciles these
extremes by creating equilibrium between opposing ideas, contrasting imagery,
and antithetical meanings. Above all, his poems are authentic, singular
compositions, uniquely elegant in their motives, figurative style, poetic perception
and vividness. His is a verse we must distinguish as first-rate poetry.”
—Ramadan Musliu, Poeteka
“In the troubled and turbulent times we inhabit, it is rare to find a voice of
stillness—an anchor to which we can attach our trust. With the world changing
every day, and not always for better, we require the safe harbor of sanity and
soundness. In the poignant poetry of Gjekë Marinaj, we do find such a sanctuary."
—Wm. L. Dubnov, Phoenix Review
“The mission of the artist, and therefore of the poet, is for Gjeke Marinaj the sum
of that dream toward which humanity is moving. Ideally, if not practically, Marinaj
attributes to the poet religious significance, seeing him as the highest theological
consciousness on earth.”
—Agron Tufa, Poet
“The poet Gjekë Marinaj has achieved impressive versatility in his creative work.
Effortlessly, he extends his reach from poetry to journalism and vice versa. Posing
intelligent, insightful questions to the icons of Albanian and international art,
literature, politics and sports, he offers his Albanian readers a book of interviews
that is as interesting as it is meaningful."
—Arben Çokaj, Illyria
Marinaj’s “poem was a sensation. Papers flew off the stands; by mid-morning the
entire country had sold out, but word of mouth continued to spread like wildfire.
Those with a newspaper would scribble copies of the poem on scraps of paper to
pass to strangers. Some recited the poem to passersby on the street. The entire
country was abuzz with excitement over what the unknown young poet had written.”
—Eric Nicholson, The UTD Mercury
“When I entered his studio, it was filled with an intellectual air, as if a pleasant
Albanian breeze were blowing through. It was something that would inspire one to
remember to fly with the dalenduchie to Shkodra, and, from there, all over
Albania.”
—Adnan Mehmeti, Pavarësia News
“In a way, it is a joy to see that a writer from the Balkans, one of the most
outstanding poets of my country, still stands firm, even though he has lived two
decades in the heavenly kingdom of the United States of America. Gjekë Marinaj
is the name of this graceful poet who, just as a range of high mountains has
enriched the soil of his country, he has fertilized the imagination of his generation
with unmatched poetic skill. This is a challenge that inspires all of today’s Balkan
poets to move inexorably forward toward the pinnacle of poetic achievement.”
—Dashamir Cacáj, Atdheu
“Gjekë Marinaj attained sudden notoriety in Albania when he published an
allegorical anti-Communist poem titled Kuajt (“Horses”). To evade arrest, he fled
his native country, eventually migrating to America, where he has since published
a number of books, among them Infinit (“Infinite”), 2000; and Lutje në ditën e tetë
të javës (Prayer on the Eighth Day of the Week).”
—Peter R. Prifti, Translation Review
My title of this review “Gjekë Marinaj’s poems like Bible-pages” is influenced by the
multi-layers of meanings that are present in his verse and by the poli-spheres of
his overall poetic act that leaves his readers with a sense of faith.
—Dhurata Hamzai, Tema
“Gjekë Marinaj symbolizes a new peak in Albanian poetry; his innovative and
contemporary-specific poetic elements are truly distinctive within the body of
Albanian literature of the last two decades.”
—Ndue Ukaj, Drita
“Contemporary critics have placed the ideo-artistic values of Marinaj’s verse at the
same rank with that of Camaj, Reshpja, Agolli and other distinguished names of
the Albanian and world literature.”
—Mikel Gojani, Shqip
“…Marinaj’s collection of poems “Prayer of the eighth day of the week”, in my
opinion, is an exception; the book is beautifully designed and artistically satisfying.”
—Anton Gojçaj, Koha Javore
| PRESS |
“Gjekë Marinaj has distinguished himself as a writer. Renowned authors have accorded him the highest praise for the excellence of his poetry. His
writings are notable, among other things, for the originality of his thought, the vivid imagery, and the wide range of the subject matter. As an artist of the
written word, he has a remarkable and enviable record of accomplishments.”
— Peter R. Prifti, Translator
writings are notable, among other things, for the originality of his thought, the vivid imagery, and the wide range of the subject matter. As an artist of the
written word, he has a remarkable and enviable record of accomplishments.”
— Peter R. Prifti, Translator
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