The Bridge on the Drina (Phoenix Fiction) by Ivo Andric
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Book Reviews of The Bridge on the Drina (Phoenix Fiction)
Book Review: A Bosnian Serb Masterpiece
Summary: 5 Stars
The hate in Bosnia and the nuturtring of extreme nationalism by all three Bosnian communities - not just the Serbs - has reduced Andric in the Muslim-led part of Bosnia to that of traitor. The Bosnian regime has torn down his statue and he and his work are essentially banned reading in Muslim schools. Such is the tragedy of this demented land that great Noble prize winning works are dismissed becasue of the authors ethnicity. So much for the so-called propoaganda line of the Muslims that they wanted a multiethnic Bosnia. That was the greatest lie of the war. They wanted power and now ban works of art such as "The Bridge on the Drina" because that work is deemed sympathetic to Serbs. Nicholas TintorBook Review: A thought-provoking masterpiece
Summary: 5 Stars
Andric outlines the history of Bosnia in a series of episodes over three centuries, from the Turkish kidnapping of the young Serbian boy who became an Ottoman vizier to the bridge's destruction in World War I by Austrian artillery. The bridge dominates life in the Bosnian town of Visegrad and, in Andric's hands, assumes a personality. Memorable episodes include the story of Radislav, a Serb ferryman who tries to preserve his livelihood; the beautiful Fata, who uses the bridge to escape an arranged marriage; and the gambler, who bets his life and soul against the devil. The Swedish Academy did not err when it picked Andric for the Nobel Prize. This is a magnificent achievement, and it should not be missed.Book Review: An Excellent Introduction to the Bosnian Society
Summary: 5 Stars
A fictional masterpiece that serves as a excellent introduction to the study of Bosnian history. After reading The Bridge over the Drina, one can begin to understand some of the deep rooted historical contributions to Bosnia's early 1990s struggles.The Drina bridge, a bridge that spans generations, links early sixteenth century Ottoman Empire with the pre-WWI Austro-Hungarian Empires; giving a glimpse into day-to-day living under such diverse regimes. This book also chronicles the lives of Catholics, Moslems, and Orthodox Christians -- deep seated loyalties to their respective faiths, but somehow, giving the reader hope that it is possible for such diverse groups to live in peace -- with each other.
Book Review: Best Modern Slavic Novel
Summary: 5 Stars
After reading Don Quixote, it is said Freud wanted to learn spanish so that he could read that masterpeice without the bonds of translation. After reading this great book I wish to learn Serbo-Croat so that I could read this book in all its natural majesty. But I'm busy with college right now so it will just have to wait until I'm retired at 60 (I hope). The only problem I can find with the book is with the english translation. It doesn't "flow" as it should. As you read you might pick up on a few "ackward" sentences every page. But it is not Ivo's fault. Read this book...but if you have time, do yourself a favor and learn Serbo-Croat first.Book Review: Perspective is what you get
Summary: 5 Stars
I was advised to read this book as a way to understanding the Balkans and the culture, as my daughter was born in Romania and I had some experience in dealing with the area. What the book did was underline the complexity of the area and the culture clashes which underscore its history. I especially was struck by the contrast between the Austrians (always DOING) with the towndwellers, who couldn't understand this attitude. I was also taken with the descriptions of the changes coming along and how people took them in their stride or else were perplexed and misled. It helped me understand why it's so hard for that part of the world to let go of its history.