Yugoslavian war - fiction

[Peggy, Moderator]

I just came back from a trip to the Balkans and I would be interested in learning more about the war that took place there in the 90s, beyond the basics that I already know. I find that my preferred way of learning about these sort of events is through (historical) fiction, so I was wondering if any of you know of any fictional books set during the Yugoslav wars. I'm mostly looking for books that are relatively easy reads (in terms of writing, not content) and that paint a good picture of what was going on and the impact it had on the people. Thanks! :)

[Sarah, Moderator]

Did you have a great time? I did the same thing when I came back from Croatia, trying to find some books that cover the period. I didn't come across anything that really jumped out at me other than one book which I had already read which was The Cellist of Sarajevo. I really liked the book. Looking forward to seeing if anyone else has any good recommendations.

[Peggy, Moderator]

Yes, it was fantastic :) I have The Cellist of Sarajevo on my TBR, I should find some time to read it soon!

[Rusalka, Moderator]

I haven't read it, and it possibly would be a very hard read, but S. maybe?

People of the Book parts of that may help too.

[Peggy, Moderator]

Thanks Rusalka! S. does indeed seem to be a hard read in terms of content, but that's okay. With the 'easy' books I was more referring to writing style (not looking for 900-page, dry, dragging books) than story.

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Oh. I didn't even see you asked for "relatively easy reads"! I was just remarking as I would find the content hard to stomach at times. Heh I need to pay more attention.

[Sarah, Moderator]

Just been looking on some book blogs and stumbled across Rose of Sarajevo which hasn't been released yet - end of August release by the looks of it. Could be interesting if the romance aspect isn't too full on! I've added it to my wishlist.

[Peggy, Moderator]

Thanks Sarah! I added it too :)

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Me too :)

[Sarah, Moderator]

I just had Rose of Sarajevo approved on NetGalley Peggy so perhaps we could buddy read it at some point?!?

[Peggy, Moderator]

Yay Sarah! And yes, I would love to buddy read it :)

I do plan to read it soonish though (it's my first NetGalley book and I'm excited to get started ;-)), like end of this month or in the first half of september.

[Sarah, Moderator]

Sounds good to me. It's quite short by the looks of it - 270 pages. I'd like to do it soon too while the recent trip to the region is still fresh in my mind!

[Peggy, Moderator]

Awesome! How about Friday the 29th? (very random date, any other day is fine for me too).

[Sarah, Moderator]

Why not?! It's as good a day as any to start.

[Peggy, Moderator]

Great :) I'll make a buddy read thread for us.