Country in My Grandfather’s Stomach: A Journey of Wisdom and Wonder
Written by Qobiljon Shermatov
Illustrated by Dilzoda Hamidjonova
Akademnashr, 2023, 192 p
ISBN: 978-9943650053
Do you believe that every person carries an entire world within them? If not, then Qobiljon Shermatov’s enchanting novella, Country in My Grandfather’s Stomach, is sure to change your perspective. The story follows Bahodir, a sixth-grade boy who lives in a large family with his grandfather, parents, two older brothers, sisters-in-law, and nephews. Passionate about football, Bahodir finds his 74-year-old grandfather’s advice tiresome—until an astonishing accident changes his life forever.
One day, after an intense football match, Bahodir and his friend Baxtiyor unwittingly drink a shrinking potion created by Bahodir’s chemist brother. In their miniature state, a simple breakfast turns into an adventure when they fall into the stomach of Bahodir’s grandfather, Mahmud Kosib—a humble weaver who has spent his life earning an honest living. Inside Mahmud Kosib’s body, they discover the Land of Light, a mystical place where the sun always shines, and wisdom is the most treasured possession. Here, houses glow with the brilliance of books read by their inhabitants, while ignorance leaves homes in darkness. In this world, knowledge is not merely a luxury—it is essential for survival. The boys enroll at Charog’on, a prestigious school, only to realize they are far behind their peers. Bahodir struggles with even simple math problems and resorts to cheating, only to suffer an immediate consequence—he loses his sight and voice. Baxtiyor, too, faces punishment for dishonesty. After their recovery, Bahodir abandons school in frustration, attempting various trades, only to discover that no job is easy without perseverance and skill.
A turning point comes when Bahodir meets Uchqun Gulxaniy, the wise mayor of Stomach City. His words strike a chord: “Son, without knowledge, you will never be of value, and happiness will always elude you. If you do not study, your home will never shine, the birds will not land on your roof, and most importantly—you will never rediscover the enlarging potion. You will remain trapped in this world forever, never seeing your family again.” Motivated by this realization, the boys’ journey to Heart City, a vast and mysterious metropolis ruled by the radiant Oftob Payvasta, a man whose wisdom keeps him forever youthful. The city is nourished by six rivers flowing from the hands, eyes, nose, mouth, ears, and feet. Yet, if a person speaks foul words, accepts bribes, or engages in immoral deeds, these rivers turn dark, and the sun ceases to shine. The boys take on vital roles—Bahodir as the Night Captain of the naval fleet and Baxtiyor as a cook—fighting against venomous creatures born from slander and corruption. Their bravery earns them the scholars’ favor, and, at last, they receive an enlarging potion.
However, upon returning to reality, a new accident causes Bahodir to drink the entire potion, turning him into a giant, while Baxtiyor remains tiny, residing in Bahodir’s ear. Though Bahodir’s extraordinary height brings him fame in sports, even entering the Guinness World Records, he finds no joy in achievements not earned through hard work. Longing for the honesty and wisdom of the Land of Light, he realizes that true fulfillment lies in knowledge and integrity.
His journey takes an even darker turn when he accidentally falls into the stomach of Sharof the Accountant, a man ruled by greed. In this corrupted world, people steal instead of working, fear books, and live in a city of gold, devoid of warmth and nature. The city is dominated by Greed, a monstrous eight-armed ruler whose wealth could sustain an entire nation but instead fuels oppression. Though many citizens have read books, they fail to apply their knowledge, remaining trapped in a cycle of selfishness. Determined to change the course of this world, Bahodir and Baxtiyor send Letters of Memory to Brain City, awakening Sharof the Accountant’s conscience. As his heart softens, Greed’s influence begins to fade. However, despite their efforts, the people cannot entirely rid themselves of Greed, a reminder of how difficult it is to control one’s desires. Ultimately, the boys escape the Land of Darkness, forever changed by their journey.
Shermatov’s Country in My Grandfather’s Stomach is more than just a whimsical fantasy—it is a profound reflection on knowledge, morality, and the challenges of growing up. The novel poignantly captures the generational gap between children born into a digital age and their elders, whose wisdom often goes unheeded. Bahodir’s journey teaches him that while not all adults are just, true wisdom comes from self-discipline and learning. The story also critiques modern societal issues—extravagant weddings, materialistic obsessions, and the mistaken belief that wealth equates to prestige. Ultimately, the novel asserts that true dignity, both for a person and their home, stems from knowledge, honesty, and a pure heart.
This book aligns with allegorical and moral tales in world literature, such as Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s (1943) The Little Prince and Carlo Collodi’s (1883) The Adventures of Pinocchio. Like these classics, Shermatov’s novel uses a fantastical journey to impart deep philosophical insights. Within Uzbek literature, it stands out as a modern fable that addresses contemporary societal issues while maintaining timeless appeal.
Country in My Grandfather’s Stomach has received wide acclaim, winning the award for Best Book for Children and Adolescents in Uzbekistan (Bolalar va o‘smirlarga bag‘ishlangan eng yaxshi kitob). Illustrated beautifully by Dilzoda Hamidjonova, this novel is an unforgettable adventure that challenges readers to reflect on the power of knowledge and the importance of living with integrity.
Qobiljon Shermatov, born in 1997 in Fergana, Uzbekistan, is a rising literary voice. His debut poetry collection, Qishloqjonim, was published under the Uzbekistan Writers’ Union’s First Book project. His other works include Balki Mosh Ham Tush Ko’rar, Bir Quloqli Qo’zichoq, O’tkirjonning O’nta O’rdak Ukasi, and Talqon Botir.
Dilzoda Khamidova is an Uzbek artist and illustrator with a background in fashion design from the Tashkent Institute of Textile and Light Industry. She has worked as a graphic designer and artist at Akademnashr, one of Uzbekistan’s leading publishing houses. She also contributed editorial illustrations for the popular news portal Daryo.uz, further establishing her presence in the world of visual storytelling. In addition to editorial and book illustration, Dilzoda has collaborated on various Uzbek school textbooks as an artist, helping shape the visual language of educational materials for younger generations. In pursuit of further artistic growth, Dilzoda applied to the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in the United States, where she was successfully accepted into the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Illustration program. Alongside her work in illustration, Dilzoda is also passionate about photography, a medium through which she continues to explore identity, heritage, and narrative. Her Uzbek roots are a constant source of inspiration, visibly influencing her style and thematic choices. More information can be found on her website.
Dilnavoz Najimova, Alisher Navoiy Tashkent State University of Uzbek Language
© 2025 by Dilnavoz Najimova
