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Father of One
Maka, a young Bosnian soldier, has survived three years under siege. When the enemy forces launch their final attack on his hometown, he must escape to the hills. But traversing the vast woods is a task against all odds: to stay alive, and to find his infant son and his wife, he is soon forced to make a desperate move.
Set against the harrowing background of raging guerrilla warfare and the genocide in Srebrenica, Father of One is, at heart, a story of deep humanity, compassion and love. It is the account of one man’s desire to reunite his family, separated by war, and of bonds unbroken by trauma, sustained by loyalty and tenacity. Writing in a voice that rings with clarity and authenticity, the author lays open a dark moment in Europe’s recent history.
Set against the harrowing background of raging guerrilla warfare and the genocide in Srebrenica, Father of One is, at heart, a story of deep humanity, compassion and love. It is the account of one man’s desire to reunite his family, separated by war, and of bonds unbroken by trauma, sustained by loyalty and tenacity. Writing in a voice that rings with clarity and authenticity, the author lays open a dark moment in Europe’s recent history.
- GenresLiterary Fiction
320 pages, Paperback
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 2, 2023
I think this story will stick with me for a very long time.
From the very start, I was completely drawn in.
The raw emotion detailed between the lines was truly something else.
The author could fill you with hope in one sentence and then drastically spin the feeling into devastation with the next. The definition of heart wrenching.
The idea of a man going through 4 years of hell, having never met his son, knowing he's waiting for him is just tragic. Knowing so many elements of this story happens in our world... It just touched me to my core. The things he sees and experiences is so distressing.
It is clear that Jani is ex military. The realism that occurs in this book, really paints a vivid picture for the reader. The detailed writing was beautiful.
I enjoyed the memories of Maka and his wife that were sprinkled in between the terror and tragedies. It kept sparks of hope for the reader as well as the characters.
I just wish we got a little more of his wife's experience from the other side.
"Everything is very complicated in a war"
A very sad story, but a stunning piece of work.
July 5, 2024
This was compelling and very well written.
September 23, 2023
Maka is a soldier from an area near the border between Bosnia and Serbia where the fighting is very intense. It shows us his time in the middle of warfare, surviving when separated from his platoon, in police custody and a prison camp enduring all the horrors and brief glimpses of humanity. We get chapters that show how his wife is living as an exile in Germany as well as their love story leading up to the present day.
The beginning has a lot of violence and the realities of war. The violence is hard, but what is brilliant is the reasons people survive, the times when people crossed lines to help a fellow human regardless of their ethnic and religious identity. I also appreciated how we also saw the realities of after the war. What does it mean to not be able to have a home in your own homeland? What is it like to reunite with your family you've longed for and yet your journeys have been so different. I really appreciated the exploration of these topics and the humanity, the reality, of surviving such strife.
There is no author's note to tell us how much of the story is based in reality, but in the About the Author, we see that the author was a soldier in the Bosnian army so I feel like there probably are some strong realities portrayed on the page.
Thanks to Love Books Tours for gifted access. All opinions above are my own.
The beginning has a lot of violence and the realities of war. The violence is hard, but what is brilliant is the reasons people survive, the times when people crossed lines to help a fellow human regardless of their ethnic and religious identity. I also appreciated how we also saw the realities of after the war. What does it mean to not be able to have a home in your own homeland? What is it like to reunite with your family you've longed for and yet your journeys have been so different. I really appreciated the exploration of these topics and the humanity, the reality, of surviving such strife.
There is no author's note to tell us how much of the story is based in reality, but in the About the Author, we see that the author was a soldier in the Bosnian army so I feel like there probably are some strong realities portrayed on the page.
Thanks to Love Books Tours for gifted access. All opinions above are my own.
July 30, 2023
This book was utterly heart-renching. This book had everything in it; action, love, heartbreak, tender moments, but most of all, it was so realistic. The journey we see Maka take to get through the war and the camp, then to get home to his wife, Amelia, is truly the most hardest thing I've ever read. This novel brought tears to my eyes, and my chest was tight with tension reading about how the soldiers were treated. All I can honestly say is that this novel is such an honest and raw book to read, and I suggest you read it as it's pretty devastating.
March 9, 2024
Father of One, an extraordorinary new novel by Finnish writer, Jani Anttoia is a powerful indictment of the inhumanity of civil war. Anttoia, a doctor, now resident in Japan, fought with the Bosnian army during the Bosnian War (1992-95). With the conviction of lived experience, the novel recreates that humanitarian disaster and the violent ethnic cleansing which reverberates in the region today.
The novel begins after the war’s most infamous event where the Serbs routed a lightly armed Dutch UN Protection Force (UNPROFOR) of 400 soldiers and overran Srebrenica, a UN-protected Bosnian enclave. The 40,000 Bosniaks who had sought safety in Srebrenica were expelled. On the command of Ratko Mladić, later prosecuted in the Hague for war crimes, 8,300 Bosnian men and boys were murdered.
Father of One centers on Maka Delíc, a young Bosnian, fleeing from Srebrenica and desperate to get to his wife, Amelia, and their infant son, Dino, now refugees in Germany, a place to which the novel sometimes switches, telling their story. Anttoia’s characterizations are superb as in the passage where Delíc contemplates his dangerous choice:
Legs, he thought. He had two legs and every step brought him closer to his family. Or perhaps closer to his grave.
Delíc whose brothers and father have been killed, flees through Eastern Bosnia, a geography where conquerors have passed through the centuries --Romans, Huns, Avars, and Slavs. Delíc’s cultural heritage is Moslem but his appearance and secular beliefs are little different from his Serb persecutors, making this civil war all the more incomprehensible. On his perilous journey, Delíc meets extraordinary characters such as the Professor and his son, Salko, who may hold the key to their escape to the border town of Zvornik. There is Zlatar, the goldsmith Delíc once envied, who has lost his home and family like Delíc, but carries gold concealed on his body. One by one, Delíc’s companions fall away as they take different routes, make fatal choices, are shot by Serbian troops, or executed by policemen.
Part Two of Father of One takes another cruel, very realistic turn, covering Delíc’s efforts to survive imprisonment in a very brutal Serb internment camp with little food and sadistic guards. The worst of these is Slavko, who beats men senseless for being the hated Balija, a pejorative Serb term for Muslims. To the prisoners’ aid comes the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) with infrequent, often ineffectual visits, seeking to resettle Delíc and his imprisoned countrymen elsewhere in Europe.
Anttoia’s depiction of events is often reminiscent of the best passages in Ernest Hemingway’s war novels. Father of One has the same lean, freighted prose of scenes like Hemingway’s rendering of the Italian army’s retreat at Caporetto in A Farewell to Arms. Like A Farewell to Arms and For Whom the Bell Tolls, Anttoia’s novel has a love story at its centre. But unlike the sentimental twists in Hemingway’s two novels where one of the lovers dies tragically, Father of One maintains a gritty realism.
And yet Father of One also presents a hopeful story. Good people aid Delíc. Sometimes the most unlikely perform acts of kindness and charity that change his fate. Ultimately, people survive to rebuild their lives and there are countries that support refugee resettlement. Although the novel is set more than 30 years ago, its depiction of ethnic strife, the brutality of war, and the ineffectiveness of the UN provide a lens through which to view current conflicts whether in the Ukraine, the Gaza Strip, or lesser known ones such as Somalia and the Sudan.
The novel begins after the war’s most infamous event where the Serbs routed a lightly armed Dutch UN Protection Force (UNPROFOR) of 400 soldiers and overran Srebrenica, a UN-protected Bosnian enclave. The 40,000 Bosniaks who had sought safety in Srebrenica were expelled. On the command of Ratko Mladić, later prosecuted in the Hague for war crimes, 8,300 Bosnian men and boys were murdered.
Father of One centers on Maka Delíc, a young Bosnian, fleeing from Srebrenica and desperate to get to his wife, Amelia, and their infant son, Dino, now refugees in Germany, a place to which the novel sometimes switches, telling their story. Anttoia’s characterizations are superb as in the passage where Delíc contemplates his dangerous choice:
Legs, he thought. He had two legs and every step brought him closer to his family. Or perhaps closer to his grave.
Delíc whose brothers and father have been killed, flees through Eastern Bosnia, a geography where conquerors have passed through the centuries --Romans, Huns, Avars, and Slavs. Delíc’s cultural heritage is Moslem but his appearance and secular beliefs are little different from his Serb persecutors, making this civil war all the more incomprehensible. On his perilous journey, Delíc meets extraordinary characters such as the Professor and his son, Salko, who may hold the key to their escape to the border town of Zvornik. There is Zlatar, the goldsmith Delíc once envied, who has lost his home and family like Delíc, but carries gold concealed on his body. One by one, Delíc’s companions fall away as they take different routes, make fatal choices, are shot by Serbian troops, or executed by policemen.
Part Two of Father of One takes another cruel, very realistic turn, covering Delíc’s efforts to survive imprisonment in a very brutal Serb internment camp with little food and sadistic guards. The worst of these is Slavko, who beats men senseless for being the hated Balija, a pejorative Serb term for Muslims. To the prisoners’ aid comes the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) with infrequent, often ineffectual visits, seeking to resettle Delíc and his imprisoned countrymen elsewhere in Europe.
Anttoia’s depiction of events is often reminiscent of the best passages in Ernest Hemingway’s war novels. Father of One has the same lean, freighted prose of scenes like Hemingway’s rendering of the Italian army’s retreat at Caporetto in A Farewell to Arms. Like A Farewell to Arms and For Whom the Bell Tolls, Anttoia’s novel has a love story at its centre. But unlike the sentimental twists in Hemingway’s two novels where one of the lovers dies tragically, Father of One maintains a gritty realism.
And yet Father of One also presents a hopeful story. Good people aid Delíc. Sometimes the most unlikely perform acts of kindness and charity that change his fate. Ultimately, people survive to rebuild their lives and there are countries that support refugee resettlement. Although the novel is set more than 30 years ago, its depiction of ethnic strife, the brutality of war, and the ineffectiveness of the UN provide a lens through which to view current conflicts whether in the Ukraine, the Gaza Strip, or lesser known ones such as Somalia and the Sudan.
September 12, 2023
Father of One is a deeply moving and thought-provoking novel that delves into the horrors of war and the resilience of the human spirit. Set against the backdrop of the Bosnian War and the genocide in Srebrenica, the story follows the journey of Maka, a young Bosnian soldier who has endured three years under siege.
As the enemy forces launch their final attack on Maka's hometown, he is left with no choice but to escape to the safety of the hills. However, this endeavor is not without its challenges. Traversing the vast woods becomes a task against all odds, as Maka fights to stay alive and find his infant son and wife.
The author skillfully portrays the harrowing experiences of guerrilla warfare and the immense suffering inflicted upon the Bosnian people. Through Maka's eyes, we witness the brutality and devastation of war, as well as the strength and resilience of those caught in its grip.
What sets Father of One apart is its exploration of the profound themes of humanity, compassion, and love. Despite the horrors he faces, Maka's unwavering desire to reunite his family is a testament to the unbreakable bonds of love and the lengths one is willing to go for their loved ones.
The author's writing style is both powerful and authentic. The prose rings with clarity, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the narrative. The stark descriptions and raw emotions evoke a strong sense of empathy, making it impossible to remain unaffected by the characters' plight.
Furthermore, the novel sheds light on a dark chapter in Europe's recent history that is often overlooked. By exposing the genocide in Srebrenica and the atrocities committed during the Bosnian War, the author raises awareness and encourages dialogue about these important issues.
Father of One is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of love in the face of unimaginable adversity. It is a haunting and emotional journey that will leave a lasting impression on readers long after they turn the final page.
An easy 5 stars
As the enemy forces launch their final attack on Maka's hometown, he is left with no choice but to escape to the safety of the hills. However, this endeavor is not without its challenges. Traversing the vast woods becomes a task against all odds, as Maka fights to stay alive and find his infant son and wife.
The author skillfully portrays the harrowing experiences of guerrilla warfare and the immense suffering inflicted upon the Bosnian people. Through Maka's eyes, we witness the brutality and devastation of war, as well as the strength and resilience of those caught in its grip.
What sets Father of One apart is its exploration of the profound themes of humanity, compassion, and love. Despite the horrors he faces, Maka's unwavering desire to reunite his family is a testament to the unbreakable bonds of love and the lengths one is willing to go for their loved ones.
The author's writing style is both powerful and authentic. The prose rings with clarity, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the narrative. The stark descriptions and raw emotions evoke a strong sense of empathy, making it impossible to remain unaffected by the characters' plight.
Furthermore, the novel sheds light on a dark chapter in Europe's recent history that is often overlooked. By exposing the genocide in Srebrenica and the atrocities committed during the Bosnian War, the author raises awareness and encourages dialogue about these important issues.
Father of One is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of love in the face of unimaginable adversity. It is a haunting and emotional journey that will leave a lasting impression on readers long after they turn the final page.
An easy 5 stars
October 12, 2025
Knowledge is a powerful weapon.
War makes many forms of communication difficult or even impossible. The most memorable scenes in my opinion were the ones that showed how the characters coped with not knowing as much about their loved ones and the world at large as they would normally expect. Whether it was knowing if someone was still alive or if they should trust a stranger, there were many moments that were filled with danger and uncertainty that would not have otherwise been there. This was where Mr. Anttola’s writing style shone brightly as he gave the audience many examples of how the characters dealt with all of these unknowns.
I struggled with the slow pacing, especially given the subject matter. War is a difficult topic to discuss, and there were times I thought the author’s thoughts about it would have been easier to understand if this were a shorter read. While the detailed descriptions did give me a vivid mental image of what Maka and his fellow soldiers were enduring, it also slowed down the storyline at times when I would have preferred things to move along a little faster.
This book did an excellent job of exploring how even seemingly tranquil moments can still be traumatic for a soldier in retrospect. Not knowing when violence is going to erupt again can make it extremely difficult to take care of basic human needs like eating, sleeping, bathing, or using the bathroom. Nobody should live on high alert twenty-four hours a day for years on end, and yet this was what Maka had to do in order to have any chance at all to survive. The effects on his mental and physical health were serious but left understated in some places so readers could figure out for themselves what was happening with him.
Father of One was a sobering read.
War makes many forms of communication difficult or even impossible. The most memorable scenes in my opinion were the ones that showed how the characters coped with not knowing as much about their loved ones and the world at large as they would normally expect. Whether it was knowing if someone was still alive or if they should trust a stranger, there were many moments that were filled with danger and uncertainty that would not have otherwise been there. This was where Mr. Anttola’s writing style shone brightly as he gave the audience many examples of how the characters dealt with all of these unknowns.
I struggled with the slow pacing, especially given the subject matter. War is a difficult topic to discuss, and there were times I thought the author’s thoughts about it would have been easier to understand if this were a shorter read. While the detailed descriptions did give me a vivid mental image of what Maka and his fellow soldiers were enduring, it also slowed down the storyline at times when I would have preferred things to move along a little faster.
This book did an excellent job of exploring how even seemingly tranquil moments can still be traumatic for a soldier in retrospect. Not knowing when violence is going to erupt again can make it extremely difficult to take care of basic human needs like eating, sleeping, bathing, or using the bathroom. Nobody should live on high alert twenty-four hours a day for years on end, and yet this was what Maka had to do in order to have any chance at all to survive. The effects on his mental and physical health were serious but left understated in some places so readers could figure out for themselves what was happening with him.
Father of One was a sobering read.
September 20, 2023
I dont even know if I can write a review to do this book justice, and capture just how many emotions it had me feeling. This is definitely a book that will stay with me for a very long time.
Set during the Bosnian war and the genocide in Srebrenica, this book follows Maka, a Bosnian soldier, as he does everything he can to survive. His main focus is to reunite with his wife, and meet his son, as his wife was pregnant when they were separated. His wife, Amelia, is in Germany, safe with their son Dino, but Maka must do everything he can to stay alive during the most grueling of times, in order to be reunited with them.
The emotions I felt whilst reading this book were overwhelming, not only is the storyline captivating, the way the book is written makes it impossible to put down. It really does capture everything so well. I genuinely felt pained reading some of what Maka went through. You know its an amazing book when you actually root for the characters. I cried tears of sadness and happiness, and I didn't want the book to end.
The flashbacks to happier times throughout the book were a brilliant break from the main story too, they helped set the scene leading up to the start of the war, and helped us understand the characters and their motivations even more.
This book amazingly captured true determination, and how love trumps everything, it empowered Maka and gave him the fight he so desperately needed.
Set during the Bosnian war and the genocide in Srebrenica, this book follows Maka, a Bosnian soldier, as he does everything he can to survive. His main focus is to reunite with his wife, and meet his son, as his wife was pregnant when they were separated. His wife, Amelia, is in Germany, safe with their son Dino, but Maka must do everything he can to stay alive during the most grueling of times, in order to be reunited with them.
The emotions I felt whilst reading this book were overwhelming, not only is the storyline captivating, the way the book is written makes it impossible to put down. It really does capture everything so well. I genuinely felt pained reading some of what Maka went through. You know its an amazing book when you actually root for the characters. I cried tears of sadness and happiness, and I didn't want the book to end.
The flashbacks to happier times throughout the book were a brilliant break from the main story too, they helped set the scene leading up to the start of the war, and helped us understand the characters and their motivations even more.
This book amazingly captured true determination, and how love trumps everything, it empowered Maka and gave him the fight he so desperately needed.
September 27, 2023
My thoughts…
The main focus in Father Of One is Maka and his experiences of escaping his hometown, after a final attack by enemy forces, to find his wife and son.
From the very start of this book I was completely drawn in and I think the story will stay with me for quite some time. The idea of a man going through several years of hell, having never met his son, and knowing he's waiting for him is just tragic. As a reader you get a strong sense of the inner resilience and strength this man has. The detailed writing is beautiful and the raw emotion detailed between the lines is really something else. The author really paints a vivid picture for the reader and fills you with hope in one sentence and then drastically turns the feeling into devastation with the next. The characters are also very well written and I enjoyed reading the memories of Maka and his wife which were sprinkled in between all of the terror and tragedies.
Father of One is a very sad story, but also a stunning piece of work. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to read this book. The novel is a powerful read and it doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of being a soldier on the losing side, the brutalities of labour camps and the strength of humanity in even the toughest of circumstances. The writing in this book is beautiful and despite the hard topic it gives the reader sparks of hope.
The main focus in Father Of One is Maka and his experiences of escaping his hometown, after a final attack by enemy forces, to find his wife and son.
From the very start of this book I was completely drawn in and I think the story will stay with me for quite some time. The idea of a man going through several years of hell, having never met his son, and knowing he's waiting for him is just tragic. As a reader you get a strong sense of the inner resilience and strength this man has. The detailed writing is beautiful and the raw emotion detailed between the lines is really something else. The author really paints a vivid picture for the reader and fills you with hope in one sentence and then drastically turns the feeling into devastation with the next. The characters are also very well written and I enjoyed reading the memories of Maka and his wife which were sprinkled in between all of the terror and tragedies.
Father of One is a very sad story, but also a stunning piece of work. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to read this book. The novel is a powerful read and it doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of being a soldier on the losing side, the brutalities of labour camps and the strength of humanity in even the toughest of circumstances. The writing in this book is beautiful and despite the hard topic it gives the reader sparks of hope.
July 24, 2023
This was an incredibly moving and powerful tale of one family during the Bosnian War. Despite having lived in Europe all of my life, and the war happening just before I was born, I knew nothing about the Bosnian War going into this book, and it was a harrowing and eye-opening read into this period of history.
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The main characters are Maka and his wife Amelia, separated by the war as she becomes a refugee and he stays to fight. As the book opens, they have not had any contact for a long time and Amelia hears the first news in months about her husband. What follows is the struggle Maka goes through to return to his wife and child, and the horrors he faces on the way.
While this is undeniably a dark book, the author still brings through the themes of hope and tenacity that are essential to the characters. It’s a story about overcoming struggle, as much as the struggle itself.
The writing is incredibly engaging and atmospheric, and you can’t help but root for the characters from the get-go.
I received a free copy for review. All opinions are my own.
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The main characters are Maka and his wife Amelia, separated by the war as she becomes a refugee and he stays to fight. As the book opens, they have not had any contact for a long time and Amelia hears the first news in months about her husband. What follows is the struggle Maka goes through to return to his wife and child, and the horrors he faces on the way.
While this is undeniably a dark book, the author still brings through the themes of hope and tenacity that are essential to the characters. It’s a story about overcoming struggle, as much as the struggle itself.
The writing is incredibly engaging and atmospheric, and you can’t help but root for the characters from the get-go.
I received a free copy for review. All opinions are my own.
August 8, 2023
“Father of One” is the tale of one Bosnian soldier, Maka, who escaped the Screbrnica massacre (also known as Srebrenica genocide) in July 1995 when more than 8,000 Muslim men and boys were executed near the town of Screbrnica. The novel opens when the Bosnian Serb forces penetrate his town and he escapes to the hills, thinking only of reuniting with his wife (who had escaped to Germany) and young son he has never met.
This is a heartbreaking tale that describes one of the most horrific events in recent history. Parts of this novel were hard for me to read because of cruelty of some of the people whose hearts are full of hatred. But just because something is difficult to read doesn’t mean it should ever be swept aside to be forgotten. The author, a Finish medical doctor who had fought alongside the Bosnian forces, writes beautifully, always showing the resilience of the human spirit. Even in the worst of worse circumstances, there are moments of kindness, hope, and love, and this is what keeps Maka going. A strong five stars.
Many thanks to Net Galley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.
This is a heartbreaking tale that describes one of the most horrific events in recent history. Parts of this novel were hard for me to read because of cruelty of some of the people whose hearts are full of hatred. But just because something is difficult to read doesn’t mean it should ever be swept aside to be forgotten. The author, a Finish medical doctor who had fought alongside the Bosnian forces, writes beautifully, always showing the resilience of the human spirit. Even in the worst of worse circumstances, there are moments of kindness, hope, and love, and this is what keeps Maka going. A strong five stars.
Many thanks to Net Galley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.
August 13, 2023
For readers who enjoy historical fiction or stories of the struggles of Eastern Europe, this book is for you! I typically read books about WWII, but when I read the description of Jani Anttola's book Father of One, I was intrigued. Maka is a Bosnian soldier who has spent years fighting the war, longing for his wife and child...who he has never met. Maka is constantly fighting for his life. The author did an amazing job describing the raging guerrilla warfare and the genocide in Srebrenica. This was a topic that I knew very little about, but was enthralled. This book provided an amazing description of a horrifying war, a beautiful country, and a love story to keep you rooting for Maka. One suggestion, if you are not familiar with this time period and what the people of Bosnia experienced, it is worth it to learn a little upfront or to learn as you go. As much as a I read, I have not seen a lot of books from this point of view with such vast descriptions. I am so glad I read this book and feel that I have a better understanding of such a sad time in the history.
I received an advanced reading copy of this book.
I received an advanced reading copy of this book.
September 9, 2023
Wow. Just wow.
Father of One is a long way from my reading comfort zone and I wasn’t sure how I was going to find it but I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to read this book. It’s going to stick with me for a long time.
This novel is a powerful read; it doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of being a soldier on the losing side, the brutal realities of labour camps and the strength of humanity in even the toughest of circumstances.
The characters are so well written. The main focus is on Maka and his experiences and as a reader, you get a strong sense of the inner resilience and strength this man has. I was in awe while reading this.
Amelia is more of a side character in this story and while I would have loved to see more of her in the book, I think it could have taken away from the realism of Maka’s experiences so I’m not unhappy about it.
The writing in this book is beautiful and despite the hard topic I could not put it down. Literally read it in one sitting with no breaks.
This book will make you feel sad, in awe and will remind you of the importance of hope. A beautiful novel.
Father of One is a long way from my reading comfort zone and I wasn’t sure how I was going to find it but I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to read this book. It’s going to stick with me for a long time.
This novel is a powerful read; it doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of being a soldier on the losing side, the brutal realities of labour camps and the strength of humanity in even the toughest of circumstances.
The characters are so well written. The main focus is on Maka and his experiences and as a reader, you get a strong sense of the inner resilience and strength this man has. I was in awe while reading this.
Amelia is more of a side character in this story and while I would have loved to see more of her in the book, I think it could have taken away from the realism of Maka’s experiences so I’m not unhappy about it.
The writing in this book is beautiful and despite the hard topic I could not put it down. Literally read it in one sitting with no breaks.
This book will make you feel sad, in awe and will remind you of the importance of hope. A beautiful novel.
August 15, 2025
Father Of One by Jani Anttola is a fictional read based on warfare and one solider who is willing to do anything to keep his wife and son alive during that tremulous time. What can I say the emotion in this book is beyond what you would think going into the book about someone involved with war. The MC, Maka goes through 4 years of turmoil not seeing his son and has never met him. This is such a gut wrenching part of the story. As a reader you follow along with the war in Bosnia and Serbia and of course Maka's story. You can also tell as you are reading this one that the author herself was a solider in the Bosnian war or just in the army as the way that the story is written is so real and beyond anything that a normal writer could write without having experienced war and just everything in an army atmosphere. The story has so much about what happens during war times and how there is inhumanity that does happen and how people are imprisoned, tortured and god knows what else. I think that everyone should read this book to get a real feel for what happens during war times, and also other places in the world if you are an American and have always lived here. It is an eye opening read.
August 8, 2023
Father of One By Jani Anttola
Paperback published by Book Guild Publishing 4th July 2023
ISBN 9781915603982
Maka, a young Bosnian soldier, has survived three years under siege. When the enemy forces launch their final attack on his hometown, he must escape to the hills. But traversing the vast woods is a task against all odds to stay alive, and to find his infant son and his wife, he is soon forced to make a desperate move.
Set against the harrowing background of raging guerrilla warfare and the genocide in Srebrenica, FATHER OF ONE is Pat heart, a story of deep humanity, compassion and love. It is the account of one man’s desire to reunite his family, separated by war, and of bonds unbroken by trauma, sustained by loyalty and tenacity. Writing in a voice that rings with clarity and authenticity. Jani Anttola lays open a dark moment in Europe’s recent history.
My extract can be found on my website here
https://bookread2day.wordpress.com/20...
Paperback published by Book Guild Publishing 4th July 2023
ISBN 9781915603982
Maka, a young Bosnian soldier, has survived three years under siege. When the enemy forces launch their final attack on his hometown, he must escape to the hills. But traversing the vast woods is a task against all odds to stay alive, and to find his infant son and his wife, he is soon forced to make a desperate move.
Set against the harrowing background of raging guerrilla warfare and the genocide in Srebrenica, FATHER OF ONE is Pat heart, a story of deep humanity, compassion and love. It is the account of one man’s desire to reunite his family, separated by war, and of bonds unbroken by trauma, sustained by loyalty and tenacity. Writing in a voice that rings with clarity and authenticity. Jani Anttola lays open a dark moment in Europe’s recent history.
My extract can be found on my website here
https://bookread2day.wordpress.com/20...
March 2, 2024
For readers who enjoy historical fiction or stories of the struggles of Eastern Europe, this book is for you! I typically read books about WWII, but when I read the description of Jani Anttola's book Father of One, I was intrigued. Maka is a Bosnian soldier who has spent years fighting the war, longing for his wife and child...who he has never met. Maka is constantly fighting for his life. The author did an amazing job describing the raging guerrilla warfare and the genocide in Srebrenica. This was a topic that I knew very little about, but was enthralled. This book provided an amazing description of a horrifying war, a beautiful country, and a love story to keep you rooting for Maka. One suggestion, if you are not familiar with this time period and what the people of Bosnia experienced, it is worth it to learn a little upfront or to learn as you go. As much as a I read, I have not seen a lot of books from this point of view with such vast descriptions. I am so glad I read this book and feel that I have a better understanding of such a sad time in the history.
September 24, 2023
I have to be honest and tell you all that I don't know how to feel about this book!
It was brutal, raw and heart-wrenching but an absolutely amazing read!
Our backdrop is the raging guerilla war and genocide in Srebrenica and we follow the story of Maka, a young Bosnian soldier. Desperate to survive and be reunited with his wife and young son, Maka shows a strength that many could never endure.
This book depicts the absolute horror of war and really brings to light that the atrocities that we had all seen and read about from WW2, even now, are still happening around the world. If really is thought-provoking and shameful.
I loved Maka as he showed that even under such horrendous circumstances, he held that beacon of hope that one day he'd be back home. This and his strength of character and resilience helped him get through the worst of times.
The writing style was totally immersive. I found that I was sucked into this one and couldn't put it down, even given the sensitive nature of its content.
The descriptions were powerful and the narrative drew out strong emotions throughout.
I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone as it portrays an important message for all of us. With a strong sense of community and love (even in amongst the horrors) which we can all learn from.
This book was an emotional one and will stay with me for quite some time - but well worth getting sucked into.
It was brutal, raw and heart-wrenching but an absolutely amazing read!
Our backdrop is the raging guerilla war and genocide in Srebrenica and we follow the story of Maka, a young Bosnian soldier. Desperate to survive and be reunited with his wife and young son, Maka shows a strength that many could never endure.
This book depicts the absolute horror of war and really brings to light that the atrocities that we had all seen and read about from WW2, even now, are still happening around the world. If really is thought-provoking and shameful.
I loved Maka as he showed that even under such horrendous circumstances, he held that beacon of hope that one day he'd be back home. This and his strength of character and resilience helped him get through the worst of times.
The writing style was totally immersive. I found that I was sucked into this one and couldn't put it down, even given the sensitive nature of its content.
The descriptions were powerful and the narrative drew out strong emotions throughout.
I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone as it portrays an important message for all of us. With a strong sense of community and love (even in amongst the horrors) which we can all learn from.
This book was an emotional one and will stay with me for quite some time - but well worth getting sucked into.
September 28, 2023
This isn't my usual genre so I was a bit apprehensive going into this read, but I'm so glad I did.
I've never read anything based during this time in history, although I do have some knowledge via news reports and documentaries.
I found this to be an interesting read, powerful and engaging.
We follow Maka, a Bosnian soldier, while he attempts to survive the terrible war that surrounds him, all the while, doing all he can to return to his family.
It's a heartbreaking read at times, you really feel the hurt and horror, the sadness of it all might make you cry.
But it's also a book about hope, joy and love which will also make you smile.
I like the colours and image used on the front cover. I think it purveys a sense of the desolation that war can bring.
All in all, I enjoyed Father of One and give it four 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's.
I've never read anything based during this time in history, although I do have some knowledge via news reports and documentaries.
I found this to be an interesting read, powerful and engaging.
We follow Maka, a Bosnian soldier, while he attempts to survive the terrible war that surrounds him, all the while, doing all he can to return to his family.
It's a heartbreaking read at times, you really feel the hurt and horror, the sadness of it all might make you cry.
But it's also a book about hope, joy and love which will also make you smile.
I like the colours and image used on the front cover. I think it purveys a sense of the desolation that war can bring.
All in all, I enjoyed Father of One and give it four 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's.
September 29, 2023
Sometimes a story does more than touch your heart. It takes it, rips it to shreds, then glued every tiny piece together to make it fuller than it ever was. This book does that to you and makes you feel in ways you never thought possible. The undying bond of love in a family, that reaches out of desolate miles, through what feels like unending time and heartache. It takes that journey, risking everything to make the family whole again. There is nothing he won’t do to find those who make his heart whole. This beautiful story is one to make you learn and grow, through a difficult time. It is written so well, that you can truly feel and see everything he is going through. I honestly think this is a book everyone should journey through, just to experience the steps taken toward reuniting with the ones you love. It is an experience.
September 19, 2023
I honestly don't know what to say about this book, it was well written and engaged me right from the very start, I was hooked right from the first chapter. The story line is breath taking in both good and bad ways and the characters are well developed.
The writing is honestly breathtaking, not just in its words, although this book is beautifully written, but in the things that it doesn't say but just lie between the words like a vivid purple bruise just waiting for someone to come and poke it and cause pain that you didn't realise you would feel. It is raw and brutal and was able to give me hope and then mercilessly rip it away within a very small amount of time. It was heartbreaking and relentless but that also contributed to it's beauty.
While I was reading the book i went through a period of unease, as this really happened and in reality is still happening today throughout the world. When people think of genocide most people, myself included, think back to the dark days of the Holocaust, however the reality is that this is happening still in the world decades after World War Two and the world has learnt nothing.
I remember watching about the Bosnian War on the news and not really comprehending what was happening but this book brought it home so vividly.
This book will stay with me for a very long time and I would highly recommend that everyone reads it .
The writing is honestly breathtaking, not just in its words, although this book is beautifully written, but in the things that it doesn't say but just lie between the words like a vivid purple bruise just waiting for someone to come and poke it and cause pain that you didn't realise you would feel. It is raw and brutal and was able to give me hope and then mercilessly rip it away within a very small amount of time. It was heartbreaking and relentless but that also contributed to it's beauty.
While I was reading the book i went through a period of unease, as this really happened and in reality is still happening today throughout the world. When people think of genocide most people, myself included, think back to the dark days of the Holocaust, however the reality is that this is happening still in the world decades after World War Two and the world has learnt nothing.
I remember watching about the Bosnian War on the news and not really comprehending what was happening but this book brought it home so vividly.
This book will stay with me for a very long time and I would highly recommend that everyone reads it .
September 28, 2023
This extraordinary novel is a master-class in storytelling. Jani Anttola has captured the horrors of war and internment in the historical context of Bosnia and Serbia in the 1990s, which sadly now has shocking relevance to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The brutal penal conditions in Serbia are written with a brilliance matching Henri Charrière's now classic Papillon.
This is a story that grips from the very start as the author weaves domestic triumphs and tragedies, hopes, fears and ambitions, around the people who fought a war no-one wanted and soon saw those in authority using the age-old instinct to cover up their crimes.
The hero of this story is treated with medieval cruelty setting a tense and often harrowing pace in a story it would be impossible to forget.
The brutal penal conditions in Serbia are written with a brilliance matching Henri Charrière's now classic Papillon.
This is a story that grips from the very start as the author weaves domestic triumphs and tragedies, hopes, fears and ambitions, around the people who fought a war no-one wanted and soon saw those in authority using the age-old instinct to cover up their crimes.
The hero of this story is treated with medieval cruelty setting a tense and often harrowing pace in a story it would be impossible to forget.
December 28, 2023
A great read about the Srebrenica genocide from the perspective of Maka Delić, a soldier and resident of Srebrenica, and his wife Amelia who was evacuated from their town while she was pregnant five months into the siege and is now living and working in Munich with her parents.
Anttola is a Finish novelist and doctor, and was a member of the French Foreign Legion, participated in the UNFPROFOR peacekeeping mission in BiH, and joined the units of the Army of Bosnia. Due to his understanding of the language and culture, the book is very rich Bosnian culture and language. A well written and executed novel that is a fictionalised story of a real-life couple and beautifully captures the reality of the war and the Bosnian perspective.
Anttola is a Finish novelist and doctor, and was a member of the French Foreign Legion, participated in the UNFPROFOR peacekeeping mission in BiH, and joined the units of the Army of Bosnia. Due to his understanding of the language and culture, the book is very rich Bosnian culture and language. A well written and executed novel that is a fictionalised story of a real-life couple and beautifully captures the reality of the war and the Bosnian perspective.
June 15, 2025
This is a raw, emotional book that will hit you right in the heart from the moment you begin to reading. War is devastating, but even among all the heartbreak and ruin, you can find threads of hope and humanity shining through, and this brings all those elements together into an unforgettable novel. Filled with tension, this story moves along at a good pace, drawing you from one page to another, and wrapping you in a family saga like no other. The characters are so well done, and the way things are described, you can almost forget you’re reading fiction and not a memoir at times. It feels like you’re reading someone recounting the story of what happened to their family, in all honesty. A must-read for anyone who enjoys moving war fiction.
September 3, 2023
Reading Father of One by Jani Anttola has been an eye-opener into the less familiar Bosnian War. This book is heartbreaking while reminding us of the power of family and strong will. While the book will have you in tears as we read Maka’s struggles to get back to his family, the hope and power to overcome the struggles brings the readers some solace. I absolutely loved the narration style, the character building and the set of the Bosnian War. The horrors of the war are well portrayed reminding us the importance of being harmonious.
By far, this is the second book that goes into my favorite reads of the year.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
By far, this is the second book that goes into my favorite reads of the year.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 24, 2023
You know when you deviate from your usual genre and feel nervous about it? I did that with this book, and o my am I glad I did !!
If you want a book to play with your heart, this is one for you, I think this book will stay with me. Maka is a Bosnian soldier who we follow through his survival of war whilst he battles to get back to his family. This beautifully written book shows that the author has experienced some of these things, and it hurts my heart that this actually happens for real.
This book will make you judge humanity, feel hurt and horror, make you cry, and bring joy, hope, and love. Thank you so much @lovebookstours
or having me on this tour. A book that really got my heart !
If you want a book to play with your heart, this is one for you, I think this book will stay with me. Maka is a Bosnian soldier who we follow through his survival of war whilst he battles to get back to his family. This beautifully written book shows that the author has experienced some of these things, and it hurts my heart that this actually happens for real.
This book will make you judge humanity, feel hurt and horror, make you cry, and bring joy, hope, and love. Thank you so much @lovebookstours
or having me on this tour. A book that really got my heart !
December 4, 2023
My honest thoughts..
I'm so very grateful I got the chance to read this little master piece!
Jani has written this beautifully to capture the true nature of the war. Not just the war itself but thinking of home, people you love, being captured, trying to get back home, the ugly terrifying truths of it all..
One thing I would suggest to do while reading this.. have a lot of tissues at the ready! I was not ready for this emotional beauty! Definitely worth a read!!
I'm so very grateful I got the chance to read this little master piece!
Jani has written this beautifully to capture the true nature of the war. Not just the war itself but thinking of home, people you love, being captured, trying to get back home, the ugly terrifying truths of it all..
One thing I would suggest to do while reading this.. have a lot of tissues at the ready! I was not ready for this emotional beauty! Definitely worth a read!!
September 23, 2023
This book for me was just so hard to read. It was so sad and heartbreaking and I felt so many emotions while reading this book. The details of this book are so good and the writing is so beautifully done. I loved this book !! If you need a good read that will make your heart hurt or leave you thinking this is the book for you.
August 25, 2025
This book will move into your head and stay there for the rest of your life!
This is fuc*king good book!
This is fuc*king good book!
June 9, 2025
Father of One tells the story of Maka, a young Bosnian soldier, about how he survived three years under siege while trying to make his way home to his wife, Amelia, and son, Dino, a child he has never met, and escape into the hills through the forest.
His journey is both sad and perilous. It recounts all the people he met along the way who helped him in various ways. It describes how a professor and his son assisted him, as well as how a police officer aided him during his time in jail.
Not only that, but it details how he had to hide in tall grass without a shirt, getting eaten alive by mosquitoes as he concealed himself from soldiers. He had to crawl through the grass, doing his utmost to remain silent. He knew that if he made any noise, the soldiers would find him, and he would be dead.
His wife and family were left uncertain about whether he was alive or dead. It had been many years since they had heard from him or seen him. The story is told from both Maka and his wife Amelia’s perspectives.
Father of One grabbed my heart from the first page and held on through each subsequent page. Once I started reading, it was tough to stop, but I was behind Maka every step of the way. I had to know what would happen next and whether he would reach his destination.
His journey is both sad and perilous. It recounts all the people he met along the way who helped him in various ways. It describes how a professor and his son assisted him, as well as how a police officer aided him during his time in jail.
Not only that, but it details how he had to hide in tall grass without a shirt, getting eaten alive by mosquitoes as he concealed himself from soldiers. He had to crawl through the grass, doing his utmost to remain silent. He knew that if he made any noise, the soldiers would find him, and he would be dead.
His wife and family were left uncertain about whether he was alive or dead. It had been many years since they had heard from him or seen him. The story is told from both Maka and his wife Amelia’s perspectives.
Father of One grabbed my heart from the first page and held on through each subsequent page. Once I started reading, it was tough to stop, but I was behind Maka every step of the way. I had to know what would happen next and whether he would reach his destination.
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