In the words of the modern British scholar of Russian and Georgian literature, Donald Rayfield, "his vivid story-telling, straight in medias res, his buoyant humour, subtle irony, and moral courage merit comparison with those of Stendhal, Guy de Maupassant, and Émile Zola. In modern Georgian prose only Konstantine Gamsakhurdia could aspire to the same international level."
A prominent British scholar of Russian and Georgian literature, Donald Rayfield, highlights the author's exceptional storytelling skills, his direct approach to narrative, lively humor, subtle irony, and moral courage, drawing comparisons with literary luminaries Stendhal, Guy de Maupassant, and Émile Zola. Gamsakhurdia is the only Georgian writer who could potentially achieve an international level of excellence.