Alexandra Bogdanovic's Blog: That's life... - Posts Tagged "negovan-rajic"

It happens to every author. Somewhere in the writing process you hit a bump in the road.
For me, writing my second book is especially challenging because my dad died a long time ago. A lot of his friends -- people who knew what happened to him in the former Yugoslavia -- have passed away as well. So, as I mentioned last week, I am left with my imagination... and a few family legends.
I've done a lot of research in order to try and fill in the blanks. I've been to Belgrade. And with my mother's help I have found some of my father's personal effects. At some point soon I will start to go through some more.
In the meantime, as I also mentioned last week, I started my rough draft. Writing as much as time allows, I've written approximately 6,000 words or 14 single-spaced pages (give or take a few words or a page or two).
With the creative process well underway, I plan on continuing my research as it continues. That includes reading as much about Serbia as I can get my hands on.
I just finished the first book on the stack -- a novel called The Mole Men by Negovan Rajic. Born in Belgrade in 1923, the author was just one year younger than my father. The book -- a fantasy -- was about a man who faced government persecution after learning a closely-guarded secret and then trying to share the truth.
In a photocopied excerpt from Contemporary Authors, Volume 130 tucked inside our copy of the novel, Rajic said:
"The materials for my fiction come from my life experiences and the personal stories friends tell me. My stories come as a revolt against the official picture of history as presented by totalitarian powers, who often distorted facts. I believe in the power of the word to transmit human experiences and perceptions. I stand for freedom as the point of departure for any kind of progress, both material and spiritual."
The book is disturbing, provocative and intriguing. It is a must-read for anyone and everyone who takes freedom for granted.
I told my mother as much when she asked me if it was interesting.
"It was written by a friend of your father's," she said.
The plot thickens.
Until next time, "That's life..."