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notthatcosta's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Despite the plot being relentlessly grim for much of the book, I was really impressed by Priscilla Morris' capacity to introduce moments of levity and simple joy amidst the crushing reality of what was faced by the people of Sarajevo.
I was also impressed to learn that much of the plot was inspired by real life stories from Morris' family members and research subjects, which makes sense considering how grounded and lived in the characters felt.
Also certainly not an uplifting read, it's a book I thoroughly enjoyed.
I was also impressed to learn that much of the plot was inspired by real life stories from Morris' family members and research subjects, which makes sense considering how grounded and lived in the characters felt.
Also certainly not an uplifting read, it's a book I thoroughly enjoyed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Confinement, Death, Genocide, Gun violence, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Islamophobia, Grief, Mass/school shootings, Medical trauma, Murder, Abandonment, War, and Injury/Injury detail
wynnebirchmaple's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Sarajevo during the 1990s. A harmonious society becomes a partitioned war-torn ruin. There is genocide, nationalism and failed aid supports. This work centers around an artist’s response to remaining when she has sent her family onward and becomes trapped in the country she has always loved. The narrative is told beautifully and for this reader is not trauma porn. It’s a necessary story to tell and as all witness the world’s stage and fights for power and resources, a cautionary tale as well.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Hate crime, Forced institutionalization, Abandonment, War, and Deportation
Please keep in mind, though the ending is not all flowers and butterflies, there is survival and the opportunity for truth to be further witnessed. This book is tastefully and artfully done even though the story of Bosnia is one of horrors. Author, Priscilla Morris practices restraint and consideration for her readers and greater purpose. There’s a reason this book made it to the 2023 Women’s Prize shortlist.feebles640's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, and War
Moderate: Child death and Confinement
bookbinbaby's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
A world I would not know or recognise myself, but an insight to what other people do experience when war installs itself in their homes, villages, towns, countries and lives. Emotionally shattering as you see Zora's world ravaged and turned upside down by powers outside her control but having a very real and increasing impact on her life and those around her, and showing how when environments change unexpectedly what it can do to a person/people. Harrowing to read in most parts, but you're carried along as Zora and her small tight knit community look after one another and try and maintain their sense of community and self expression in times of hostility, uncertainty and senseless violence, as best they can.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement and War
Moderate: Child death, Death, Violence, Xenophobia, Excrement, Vomit, Islamophobia, Grief, Medical trauma, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Infidelity and Rape
amy_park's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
4.0
Vivid in colour and in story, this book doesn't shy away from the horror of war and living under seige. Spanning across a year from the beginning of the seige in Sarajevo during the early 1990s, the book follows Zora (and her neighbours) and her choice to stay in her beloved city whilst her family lives/move to England. The language was very immersive, I loved the use of colour throughout as Zora is an artist. Paintings and imagery of bridges centered the novel away from the catastrophy of war. I felt this book tried to explore alot in 270-ish pages, and I didn't feel as connected with the characters as I had hoped. especiallly with the love storyline, i felt it was very abrupt towards the end and maybe a device from the author for Zora to yurn for Sarajevo after leaving, as she has nothing else to draw her back I did overall like the book and I discovered a part of history that I wasn't aware of before. It sparked my interest to learn more about Yugoslavian history.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Genocide, Violence, Grief, Abandonment, War, and Injury/Injury detail