New Canadian Library and other Canadian Lit Challenge discussion

This will be a buddy read for June 2019.

There is some controversy associated with this book regarding the author and the cellist who is referenced in the book. At the end of your reading please comment on your thoughts about this controversy.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_...


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vedran_...

I read this book a couple of years ago, since we had a copy in the house. It will be interesting to read your comments on the book, Tracey, and anyone else who is reading it.

Rosemarie wrote: "I read this book a couple of years ago, since we had a copy in the house. It will be interesting to read your comments on the book, Tracey, and anyone else who is reading it."

Thanks Rosemarie. What do you think of the controversy between the author and the actual cellist?

I sympathize with the cellist.

Rosemarie wrote: "I sympathize with the cellist."

That's how I feel. I feel the story is an important one and worthy of being told, but since the cellist was still alive, not without his consent.

What did you know about Sarajevo before reading the book?

What new information did you take away with you after reading?

More on the siege of Sarajevo and the Bosnian war:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_o...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bosnian...

I was in university at the time of the war, and didn't pay much attention to what was happening. I remember seeing an interview on 60 minutes with Radovan Karadzic, and thought he was a despicable human being.

I did review the Wikipedia page on the Siege of Sarajevo - I still cannot believe that soldiers would try to take the lives of innocent civilians.

Overall, I really enjoyed the characters in the novel. I felt the imagery presented was also very realistic. I think the author should have contacted Smailovic as an act of courtesy.

I gave the book four stars - I would recommend it friends and family.

Rob wrote: "I was in university at the time of the war, and didn't pay much attention to what was happening. I remember seeing an interview on 60 minutes with Radovan Karadzic, and thought he was a despicable ..."

Good review.

What I knew about Sarajevo before the war was, of course, the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand which was the 'excuse' for WWI. A happier occasion was the1984 Winter Olympics. I was studying for a pharmacy degree at Nottingham University and Torvill and Dean, the UK ice skating pair who won gold, were from Nottingham. I remember the common room in the hall of residence being packed to watch them and how everyone rose to their feet cheering at their spectacular win. I saw Sarajevo as a vibrant positive place.

When the events described in the book happened, helping Bosnian refugees was big news. A friend worked with one and this is what she said..
'One day we were all friends and neighbours and you either didn't know or didn't care what religion anyone was. The next day neighbours were killing and raping others. What happened to us could happen to you.'
With the growing sectarian hatred throughout the world, including Canada, I find this a chilling warning. Sadly mankind seems unable to learn from history, or rather should I say, war is big business and those who feed off it cause an atmosphere of fear and suspicion.

Overall I felt the book has an important message but I was a little disappointed by the author's handling of the story and only gave it 3 stars.