Author: Saša Stanišić
Published: 2006 (German)
2008 (English)
1. To me this was one of the most thought provoking and philosophical novels that I have ever read. The book flowed in such a way that after nearly every paragraph the reader would have to stop and ponder. Although at times slow moving, the novel was difficult to put down and always pleasant. The book is written in the rambling style of a child, this enhanced the reading experience (in my opinion). Another thing that I liked about this book was the reality and fantasy that were intertwined so well (e.g. The book contains a lots of truth and facts about the war that occured in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Also, it contains a lot of magic and wizardry, which is obviously fiction).
2. "Tonight I heard Mother sighing in her sleep, she woke up with congealed blood under her nose. There are problems with the neighbours because we're living so close to them and they don't like us living close. If they'd been given the gift of a war too, they'd have shot is at once. Religion is not the opium of the people but their downfall. So Father says, anyway. A boy in the street called me a bastard. My Serbian blood was contaminated by my Bosniak mother, he said. I didn't know whether to hit him for that or be defiant and proud. I was neither defiant nor proud, and I was the one who got hit." (Pg. 141)
This passage is taken out of a letter from the main character Aleksandar to one of the biggest supporting characters, Asija. The paragraph appealed to me because it contains not only the sad reality of the situation at hand, but also a small shot of the innocent humour of a child.
"No one could have guessed that I'd win. Uncle Miki claps me on the back and says: no one could have guessed that you'd win. My mother tucks a strand of my hair back behind my ear, but it falls straight back over my forehead. Really, no one could have guessed it, she says taking my face between her hands." (Pg. 220)
This passage is written in a repetitive format that I found particularly appealing because it really does represent the way a child would write (in a way that indicates that Mr. Stanišić is really a brilliant author). This is very important, for it puts the reader in the shoes of Aleksandar and brings them back to the simplistic thinking of childhood.
3. I) Mr. Stanišić, I was curious as to what was the true inspiration for the writing of this book? Was it based on childhood experiences, or on stories told to you during your childhood?
II) Mr. Stanišić, what possessed you to write in the style of a child when so many other authors write in a more adult way (even when writing from a child's perspective)?
III) Mr. Stanišić, who do you list as your influences? and Who influenced your writing style in particular?
