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The Courtyard Children
Mileva Marinkovi was born into a family descended from resistance fighters and patriots, and from a young age was already bestowed with an identity formed on the values of brotherhood and unity. Marko Ivani was born into a family where love is earned, not given, and was branded early on as a troublemaker and somewhat of a lost cause.
Despite conflicting upbringings, the two find a common ground and develop a formidable friendship. As they grow older, almost inevitably their attraction to one another transforms into a deep love and understanding. Yet as Mileva and Marko approach the turn of the 1990s, they find themselves, like the rest of the population, facing the collapse of their country.
Forced into opposing directions, their separation changes both their lives forever, leading to a tragic event that neither could foresee. As she struggles to make sense of her identity moving forward, Mileva attempts to salvage all that is left of the life and love she once had.
Despite conflicting upbringings, the two find a common ground and develop a formidable friendship. As they grow older, almost inevitably their attraction to one another transforms into a deep love and understanding. Yet as Mileva and Marko approach the turn of the 1990s, they find themselves, like the rest of the population, facing the collapse of their country.
Forced into opposing directions, their separation changes both their lives forever, leading to a tragic event that neither could foresee. As she struggles to make sense of her identity moving forward, Mileva attempts to salvage all that is left of the life and love she once had.
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Published July 22, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 18, 2020
Yugoslavia, late 20th century. As the story begins Mileva is seven-years-old. She recalls how she becomes close friends with Marko, Ana and Nikola. She talks about her community where they live. About family members. How she spends her summers. How her schooling progresses.
The historical background comes in the second half at a time when Yugoslavia is crumbling as a nation. Mileva is a Serb living in Croatia, but she always recognized herself as Yugoslav. Now, people are divided, taking sides, creating a drift and social unrest.
This is a story of Mileva, which sounds like a memoir. The story of Mileva and historical background make the story interesting. However, the narrative is a bit too monotonous. I didn’t find it compelling.
I have to point out that I do not like reading memoirs. If you don’t mind this format and are not familiar with the history of Yugoslavia, then it’s worth giving it a try.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The historical background comes in the second half at a time when Yugoslavia is crumbling as a nation. Mileva is a Serb living in Croatia, but she always recognized herself as Yugoslav. Now, people are divided, taking sides, creating a drift and social unrest.
This is a story of Mileva, which sounds like a memoir. The story of Mileva and historical background make the story interesting. However, the narrative is a bit too monotonous. I didn’t find it compelling.
I have to point out that I do not like reading memoirs. If you don’t mind this format and are not familiar with the history of Yugoslavia, then it’s worth giving it a try.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 4, 2020
Thanks to the publisher for providing an eARC of The Courtyard Children via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Courtyard Children is a well written piece of historical fiction examining an area in history uncommon to the genre. Following our protagonist in post WWII Yugoslavia through the Yugoslav wars, this is a classic 'slice of life' war story.
Mara, our protagonist and perspective character grew up attached to the hip to her best friend and first love Marko, but with the arrival of a war where Marko decision to enlist to fight for Croatia's independence and Mara's Serbian background separate the two, nothing will ever be the same.
While the books writing was compelling and the setting was unique and interesting to explore (although to be fair, my grandparents are Croatian so I'm probably biased), this story and narrative style appear time and time again in historical fiction. This isn't the type of story that will change your life, but it was an interesting read nonetheless.
The Courtyard Children is a well written piece of historical fiction examining an area in history uncommon to the genre. Following our protagonist in post WWII Yugoslavia through the Yugoslav wars, this is a classic 'slice of life' war story.
Mara, our protagonist and perspective character grew up attached to the hip to her best friend and first love Marko, but with the arrival of a war where Marko decision to enlist to fight for Croatia's independence and Mara's Serbian background separate the two, nothing will ever be the same.
While the books writing was compelling and the setting was unique and interesting to explore (although to be fair, my grandparents are Croatian so I'm probably biased), this story and narrative style appear time and time again in historical fiction. This isn't the type of story that will change your life, but it was an interesting read nonetheless.
October 22, 2020
This story was a griping and hard read for me. I loved the writing style of Marina Poljak. She has a way about her style that is so sophisticated yet easily flows from chapter to chapter. I felt I knew each and ever character within a few pages.
There is so much history in The Courtyard Children that I cant begin to fathom. Such heartbreak and unfair treatment of so many. War is hard. Reading about it sometimes evokes those feelings. Marija did that for me.
I loved the family ties shown throughout Mara’s story. Family was always there for each other. When Mara’s aunt needed to escape her abusive husband, family was there. When Mara needed to escape a city that was to be enveloped in war, family was there. When Mara’s mom lost her job and needed a place to stay, family was there. When Mara went to find Mario, family was there. This is something we can all learn from.
I wanted badly for things to work for Marko and Mara. I felt the heartbreak when Mara discovered the last letter from Marko. Picking up pieces of herself and moving forward had to be excruciating.
While I loved the writing style, I sometimes was lost with all of the names of towns and Yugoslavian words. Geography is not one of my strengths. I do wish the book had a map at the beginning that showed where all the cities were in relation to each other. It would have helped immensely!
Overall, this book was moving and I enjoyed it. Not my normal go-to, but still enjoyable. 4 out of 5 stars for me.
There is so much history in The Courtyard Children that I cant begin to fathom. Such heartbreak and unfair treatment of so many. War is hard. Reading about it sometimes evokes those feelings. Marija did that for me.
I loved the family ties shown throughout Mara’s story. Family was always there for each other. When Mara’s aunt needed to escape her abusive husband, family was there. When Mara needed to escape a city that was to be enveloped in war, family was there. When Mara’s mom lost her job and needed a place to stay, family was there. When Mara went to find Mario, family was there. This is something we can all learn from.
I wanted badly for things to work for Marko and Mara. I felt the heartbreak when Mara discovered the last letter from Marko. Picking up pieces of herself and moving forward had to be excruciating.
While I loved the writing style, I sometimes was lost with all of the names of towns and Yugoslavian words. Geography is not one of my strengths. I do wish the book had a map at the beginning that showed where all the cities were in relation to each other. It would have helped immensely!
Overall, this book was moving and I enjoyed it. Not my normal go-to, but still enjoyable. 4 out of 5 stars for me.
August 25, 2023
This was one of those books that is hard to classify. At the beginning it seems as if it's intended for children but, by the end, that is clearly not the case.
It starts with a nostalgic journey into an (almost) idyllic childhood in Yugoslavia under Tito - with all the unexpected aspects of the western world (Indiana Jones' movies or rock albums by The Clash, for example) that jolted me every time my vision of deprivation under communist rule was shaken.
By the end, the disintegration of Yugoslavia into warring Balkan states has completely destroyed the ideal of brotherhood and unity that shaped Mara's childhood and her friendship with Marko. Neighbours have killed neighbours for no other reason than being Serb or Croatian - with the approval of the community. Humanity has disappeared.
As the novel progressed, I felt there was increasing detachment from the characters. There was little emotional punch to highly-charged scenes. Perhaps this was deliberate and would make sense, given the unfolding tragedy. But I prefer to be "in" the character and I lost that feeling as the story moved on.
It starts with a nostalgic journey into an (almost) idyllic childhood in Yugoslavia under Tito - with all the unexpected aspects of the western world (Indiana Jones' movies or rock albums by The Clash, for example) that jolted me every time my vision of deprivation under communist rule was shaken.
By the end, the disintegration of Yugoslavia into warring Balkan states has completely destroyed the ideal of brotherhood and unity that shaped Mara's childhood and her friendship with Marko. Neighbours have killed neighbours for no other reason than being Serb or Croatian - with the approval of the community. Humanity has disappeared.
As the novel progressed, I felt there was increasing detachment from the characters. There was little emotional punch to highly-charged scenes. Perhaps this was deliberate and would make sense, given the unfolding tragedy. But I prefer to be "in" the character and I lost that feeling as the story moved on.
August 5, 2024
The first half was a little harder to read, the flow of things. The second half seemed to flow much better and I found myself emotionally attached much more. The emotional connections I formed with both Mileva and Marko kept me completely invested in their story and worried for their safety as the fighting gets worse. By the end, the disintegration of Yugoslavia into warring Balkan states has completely destroyed the ideal of brotherhood and unity that shaped Mara's childhood and her friendship with Marko. Neighbours have killed neighbours for no other reason than being Serb or Croatian - with the approval of the community. Humanity has disappeared.
March 6, 2025
This is an interesting, but sad time in history. This book had a slow start for me, and I had a difficult time getting into it. I did learn a part of history that I had never read about before, and I enjoyed that part. However, it seemed to jump around a little too much for me. I don't know if there were some problems because of the translation, but I wanted to just find out how it ended halfway through. I think someone who enjoys a slow burn and learn a part of history will enjoy this book. Don't let my review stop you from reading it.
July 29, 2021
I found this story to be an emotional and gripping one, especially as the conflict increases throughout the narrative. The emotional connections I formed with both Mileva and Marko kept me completely invested in their story and worried for their safety as the fighting gets worse. I will say I was in tears at the end and that I found Marko's death a little confronting but that's because of my own triggers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2023
The ending is so real, and genuine. I struggled not to cry as she struggles with guilt and grief. The whole story is Romeo and Juliet retold, but yet it seemed so real and like I was there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2026
This gives a good feeling for how Yugoslavians dealt with the fall of their country in relationships, families, etc. Probably 3 stars if just reading for pleasure.
January 11, 2026
The first half was a little harder to read, the flow of things. The second half seemed to flow much better and I found myself emotionally attached much more. I really enjoyed the book overall and gave me a sense of appreciation for my family and eve reevaluate my own parenting style somewhat. Definitely worth a read, gets a bit tear jerking towards the end but that's all I'll say :)
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews