Helpful Score: 5
I was really moved by this book. Being an American, I take my freedom for granted; war is something that happens far away. 9/11 was as close as I have ever come to experiencing the fear and dread that accompanies war. This story takes the reader inside Sarajevo and makes war come alive through three main characters stories, four if you include the cellist. But his story, although woven throughout the book, doesnt take center stage; instead, it is a backdrop for Kenan, Arrow and Dragans stories.
Favorite passage: She realizes that for no particular reason she stumbled into the core of what it is to be human. Its a rare gift to understand that your life is wondrous, and that it wont last forever.
Favorite passage: She realizes that for no particular reason she stumbled into the core of what it is to be human. Its a rare gift to understand that your life is wondrous, and that it wont last forever.
Helpful Score: 4
This is a haunting and unforgettable story that centers on four characters and how they grapple with the violence, destruction and corruption surrounding them in Sarajevo. Each character struggles to retain hope that their city will survive and does what he/she can to simply get through each moment. So touchingly tragic, yet shows how even when all around you is crumbling, the spirit can not be broken. DON'T MISS THIS ONE!
Helpful Score: 4
Steven Galloway takes you into the war torn city of Sarajevo through the eyes of three different citizens. The cellist, who has sworn to play 22 days straight for each of the lives lost when a bomb destroyed a local bakery. The sniper, who was sent to keep him from getting killed and a young father, trying desperately to provide for his family and survive the siege of the city. As you read through the pages, you feel very much apart of their struggles and hardships, but can also see the glimmer of hope and humanity.
Beautifully written. This is a story that I won't forget.
Beautifully written. This is a story that I won't forget.
Helpful Score: 3
Compelling read -- this tells the story of four people in Sarajevo during the war. The imagery Galloway uses really brings them alive -- you know them. This is not a political book; I highly recommend it. Jo
Helpful Score: 1
A vulnerable, moving view into the innocents suffering and rationalizing the horror of war. This novel is a short compressed looking glass into the hearts and souls of four victim's of the longest siege in history, grief forever becomes apart of them while they find the strength and courage to keep being themselves not letting the enemy define Sarajevo or themselves. Elegantly written and will always weigh on my heart. I shall never hear the composition of Albinoni's Adagio in G minor and forget.
