Play Book Tag discussion

The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway - 4 stars - My GR Review

PBT Comments: This book made me feel very fortunate to have never lived in a war zone.

Fictional depiction of the siege of Sarajevo during the civil war in Bosnia and Herzegovina after the break-up of Yugoslavia. The novel weaves together stories of three citizens of Sarajevo. These three do not know each other. The common thread is a listening to a cellist playing Albioni’s Adagio in G minor for twenty-two consecutive days, one day for each person killed by a mortar blast while standing in line for bread. The cellist risks death from sniper fire to commemorate the lives of these civilians. This novel encapsulates what life was like for the people living in Sarajevo during the siege, such as walking long distances to obtain fresh water, struggling to obtain food, dealing with a lack of electricity and other conveniences, and snipers picking people off as they cross the street.

The story is largely told through the inner thoughts of the characters. The author paints a vivid picture of what it would be like to live in a war zone, the drastic changes in the way people interact with each other, and the emotional harm inflicted by living with the threat of imminent death. For example:

Dragan is afraid of dying, but what he’s afraid of more is the time that might come between being shot and dying. He isn’t sure how long it takes to die when you’re shot in the head, if it’s instantaneous or if your consciousness remains for a few seconds, and he’s skeptical of anyone who claims to know for certain. Either way, it’s a lot better than gulping air like a fish in the bottom of a boat, watching your own blood gush into the ground and thinking whatever thoughts people have when they see themselves ending.

The author is making a statement about war, its impact on ordinary citizens (as opposed to soldiers), and the role of art in maintaining a sense of hope. This novel is not about the war itself, how it started, or any of the ethnic groups involved. It is about how people struggle to retain their humanity in the midst of death, destruction, and chaos. By placing ordinary people into these extraordinary circumstances, it allows readers to examine how they would react in a similar situation.

In the Afterword, the author explains what is based on fact and what he fictionalized. The war lasted from 1992 through 1995, but he focuses on a period of three weeks. I recommend reading a non-fiction about the Bosnian War as a companion to this novel.

I started reading this sometime in the Spring, I think. I had to set it aside. It was at a time when it seemed every country being pulled in Horizons was another worn-torn one and I just couldn't take anymore....thanks for reminding me that I do need to get back to it.

As a always, a very good review .

Joanne wrote: "I started reading this sometime in the Spring, I think. I had to set it aside. It was at a time when it seemed every country being pulled in Horizons was another worn-torn one and I just couldn't t..."
Thanks, Joanne!

You've convinced me this needs to go on my TBR list. Sounds heartbreaking and absolutely fascinating. That passage alone fills me with dread, but it's beautifully written. Thank you for the review!

This was such a good book and I enjoyed it immensely. Great review Joy.

LiteraryMania wrote: "You've convinced me this needs to go on my TBR list. Sounds heartbreaking and absolutely fascinating. That passage alone fills me with dread, but it's beautifully written. Thank you for the review!"

Hope you enjoy it. This passage gives a good idea of what to expect in terms of the violence.

Ellen wrote: "This was such a good book and I enjoyed it immensely. Great review Joy."
Glad to hear it, thanks, Ellen!