Natalija: Life in the Balkan Powder Keg, 1880-1956

by Jill A. Irvine (Editor), Janja Pavetic-Dickey (Translator), Jill A. Irvine (Editor)

The life story of a Serbian woman over a period of more than 70 years, preserved in memoirs, letters and mostly diaries, recounts the triumphs and tragedies of a life that takes place against the backdrop of extraordinary turbulence in the Balkans. It covers more than half a century, five wars (including the two world wars), and four ideologies. This is a time of excitement in Serbia as its leaders carve an independent state out of the Ottoman Empire and attempt to modernize a largely rural and "backward" corner of Europe. A time of opportunity for many who join in the effort to build the infrastructure of a modern economy, as well as the growing number of middle class families who send their children, in rare cases even girls, to the emerging system of state schools. Above all, a time of war, as the expanding Serbian state comes into conflict with its neighbors and, ultimately, the Great Powers of Europe. Accompanied by an introductory study, Natalija's diary provides a rich background to understanding the on-going conflict in the Balkans today.

514 pages, Hardcover

First published September 30, 2008

Reviews

[Anchi Djo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply loved this book - it´s based on Natalija´s diary, a woman from Central Serbia, who at times when most women in the Balkans did not get any education at all, not only became a teacher but left behind a very personal account, describing the hardships of everyday life, survival during wartime and occupation and most of all Serbia´s culture and society at the turn of the 20th Century. The editors - Yale & Harvard scholars Jill & Carol - have done a wonderful job in adding additional information to certain passages of Natalija´s diary in which they explain the socio-political situation and background.

If you are interested in the history of the Balkans and in nation state building and want to read a lively account of it from the female perspective - this is the book to read.

[Kristine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Never know much about the Balkan area aside from the contemporary problems in Sarajavo. This book explains how the area got to be such a political mess.

[CasusBelus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite non-fiction book. I read it for my college thesis and 14 years later still cannot forget how amazing this was.