Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #36891 in Books
• Published on: 1994-04-05
• Original language: Croatian
• Binding: Paperback
• 314 pages

Customer Reviews

Overall a good read.
A book which beautifully describes the history of a small Bosnian town through the eyes of the ethnic Serbs (Bosnian Muslims play a very passive role in the book and Croats are barely mentioned in the book until the end and are generally referred to as 'migrants' to the area)

The book is focused on a bridge built by an Ottoman Pasha descended from the town who was taken away as a child, converted to Islam and intergrated into the Ottoman aristocracy. Not forgetting his place of birth he embellishes his home town with a bridge and small caravanserai that it may serve as a stop off point for the trade routes between Ottoman Hungary and Anatolia.

What makes this book special is its descriptions of the ordinary people of the town, and the life of the town over the centuries from Ottoman rule to Austro-Hungarian occupation, the only negative side of the book is the translators odd reference to Bosnias Muslims as 'Turks' which even from reading the book one can see that they are not.

Overall a good read

You haven't lived until you read this book
A grand historical narrative stretching over 500 years of Balkan history, this book should be read by everyone with an interest in European history. You won't be able to put it down.

The trouble with the Balkans
This literary masterpiece is mandatory reading in Bosnian schools. Readers who wish to enjoy the literary prose should feel free to take pleasure in the spectacular writing style without concerning themselves of the politics of the turbulent Balkans.

Those who wish to have a snap shot understanding of the history of the Balkans will find it in the small village near the river Drina.

The book has been criticised for its terminology especially the use of the word Turks. It should be remembered that this was perhaps reflective of the view of the Serb at the time. Without the venom the history and understanding will be lost. The book reflects the view of a population invaded and dominated by a foreign country. There is a message of hope in the book but, more importantly an understanding of how the ambitions of a few can affect the daily life of the many. On completing the book the reader will have an impressive understanding of how discrimination can lead to 700 years of hated whilst still feeling a member of this ancient village. The book is an enjoyable tale of when life was cruel, simple and unpredictable. Enjoy it or analyse it the choice is yours!