The book has truly sparked a plethora of questions within my mind regarding the separation of Yugoslavia.

One of the most captivating inquiries is, "Did the people truly desire it?" and "Were they content with it?"

The author has done an outstanding job in documenting the diverse stories.

There are different individuals from various walks of life.

She endeavored to obtain a comprehensive perspective on the country's politics and how the war had an impact on it.

All things considered, it is a book that is well worth reading. It provides valuable insights into a complex and significant historical event, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of the people, their emotions, and the circumstances that led to the separation of Yugoslavia.

The detailed accounts and the author's attempt to present a holistic view make this book a fascinating and informative read for anyone interested in history, politics, or the human experience during times of conflict.

It serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding the past to avoid repeating the mistakes and to strive for a more peaceful and harmonious future.

Great!

To conduct a study on a specific period of history, one option is to peruse a book penned by a historian that meticulously lists historical events along with their corresponding dates and characters. Another alternative is to read a book written by an individual who lived during that very period and was directly involved in those events. This particular book serves as an example of the latter method. Anse is revealing to us a plethora of details regarding the lives of people in Sebia. What were their perspectives on wars and revolutions? How did they interact with one another? How did they think?

Surprisingly, a significant number of people, events, ideas, problems, and dilemmas bear a striking resemblance to those we witnessed and continue to witness in Egypt from 2011 until the present day.

It seems that history has a tendency to repeat itself!

Norwegian writer Asne Seierstad's profiles of 14 Serbs she interacted with from 2000 to 2004 offer not only a captivating look into a war-torn country but also hold potential lessons for those of us in the USA at this unique historical juncture.

She skillfully captures the diverse experiences of people from all strata of society, across various income levels, and with a wide range of opinions regarding Slobodan Milosevic, Serbia's role in the wars that tore apart Yugoslavia, and the kind of leadership the country truly requires. Whether it's a Serbian Orthodox priest or a rock star like Rambo Amadeus, Seierstad presents their ideas with minimal filtering, enabling the reader to judge for themselves whether the individual profiled in a particular chapter is wise or completely off-base (and the book contains examples of both).

However, this otherwise engaging work stumbles in its lack of context. Unfortunately, there is very little background or historical information provided. A proper introduction covering the crucial events of the previous 10 years of civil war, ethnic cleansing, and the breakup of the nation is essential for understanding the perspectives of those profiled. It would also be beneficial to know more about the author, how she identified her subjects, and even how she conducted the interviews (did she communicate in English, Serbian, or with the help of a translator? If so, who was the interpreter? She mentions an interpreter twice, but it's unclear if it's the same person each time). These aspects are actually quite significant, and their lack of clarity undermines what is, in many respects, a really interesting and important book.

As noted earlier, this book is important not just as a historical snapshot but also as a cautionary tale for those of us in a country that launched two separate bombing campaigns against Serbs in the 1990s and then became embroiled in two full-scale wars in the following decade. As Rambo Amadeus states: "In Germany school kids visit Auschwitz, and I'd like to see our children see and learn about what we did; the same goes for Croatia and Bosnia. The most beautiful thing would be if we cared about our own crimes and they about theirs, and not like it is now when everybody just cares about their own victims and the others' crimes, so that nothing moves on in people's minds." Without delving into a full-blown critique of U.S. foreign policy, let's simply consider this wish for a moment and how the actions of the U.S. government might change if more of us took seriously the human rights violations at Guantanamo, the civilian casualties from drone attacks in Af-Pak, or the disaster we're leaving behind in Iraq.

In this remarkable book, the Norwegian journalist Åsne Seierstad embarks on a captivating journey as she follows several (disillusioned) Serbs throughout the period from 1999 to 2004.

Each chapter of the book is dedicated to a distinct individual, offering a unique and in-depth perspective into their lives.

The writer has made a conscious choice to portray a diverse range of people, and as a result, the mutual differences in their experiences and convictions are truly striking.

Personally, I found that some of the individuals were more interesting to read about than others. However, despite these differences, the book as a whole is an extremely interesting and engaging read.

It provides a valuable insight into the lives and minds of the Serbs during this tumultuous period, and offers a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition in the face of conflict and change.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in history, politics, or human nature.

Asne Seierstad is no stranger to war zones.

She has previously reported from Kabul and Baghdad, witnessing the horrors and devastation that war brings.

This time, she sets her sights on war-ravaged Serbia.

After the fall of Slobodan Milosevic, the man who brought much suffering to the region, first in the form of the Bosnian war and later for his own people through the NATO invasion, Serbia has been through a tumultuous period.

It has endured a great deal of international approbium and ostracization.

Seierstad takes the time to talk to the Serbs, seeing them not just as statistics or victims but as human beings with their own stories and struggles.

She vividly describes the hardships they have endured, mainly due to the policies of Milosevic.

Her reporting offers a unique perspective on a country that has been through so much and a people who are trying to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of war.

A wonderful and raw insight into Serbian culture with history lined throughout the book.

This book offers a truly remarkable exploration of Serbian culture. It delves deep into the heart and soul of the Serbian people, uncovering their traditions, values, and way of life.

The history that is interwoven throughout the text adds an extra layer of depth and authenticity. It allows readers to understand how Serbian culture has evolved over time, influenced by various historical events and migrations.

From the ancient civilizations that once thrived in the region to the modern-day challenges and achievements, the book provides a comprehensive overview.

Readers will be captivated by the vivid descriptions of Serbian festivals, music, dance, and cuisine. They will gain a new appreciation for the rich and diverse cultural heritage of this fascinating country.

Whether you are a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply someone looking to expand their knowledge, this book is a must-read. It offers a unique and engaging perspective on Serbian culture that will leave you with a lasting impression.

Touching, informative, good-natured, and all with a side of humor.

These are the qualities that make the writing of Seierstad truly captivating. I find myself completely engrossed in the lives of all these "characters" she creates.

If it were up to me, I would happily read about their lives for years to come.

Seierstad has this unique ability to bring her stories to life in a way that makes you feel as if you are right there with the characters, experiencing their joys and sorrows.

I have a few more of her books sitting on my shelf, waiting to be devoured.

I am extremely anxious to read them and see how they compare to the ones I have already read.

I have a feeling that each one will be just as精彩 and engaging as the last.

I can't wait to embark on these new literary adventures and discover more about the wonderful world that Seierstad has created.

The end of the Yugoslavian wars was a tragic period that left a deep impact on the Serbian people.

Serbians held assorted points of views during this time. Some felt a sense of loss and grief for the destruction and casualties that occurred. They mourned the breakdown of the once-unified Yugoslavia and the end of an era.

Others blamed external forces for interfering in the conflict and causing the situation to escalate. They believed that the wars were not of their making and that they were unjustly targeted.

There were also those who saw the end of the wars as a necessary step towards peace and stability. They hoped that with the conclusion of the conflict, Serbia could begin to rebuild and move forward.

Despite the differences in their views, one thing was clear - the Serbian people had endured great hardships during the Yugoslavian wars, and the end of the conflict brought both relief and a sense of uncertainty about the future.

I had an interest in better understanding the war in the Balkans. The book was very welcome in this regard.

The author, of course, makes a serious critique of the mechanisms (of global geopolitics) that should prevent more unnecessary loss of lives.

This conflict in the Balkans has been a complex and tragic event in recent history. The book provides valuable insights into the various aspects of the war, including the political, social, and economic factors that contributed to its outbreak and escalation.

By analyzing the mechanisms of global geopolitics, the author highlights the failures and shortcomings that led to the continuation of the war and the suffering of the people.

It is essential to study and understand such conflicts to prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future. The book serves as a reminder of the importance of peace and diplomacy in resolving international disputes.

Overall, it is a thought-provoking and informative read that offers a unique perspective on the war in the Balkans.

A snapshot of daily life just before, and just after, the Milosevic era.

If you have any knowledge about the history of the former Yugoslavia, you are aware that it is a chaotic and complex situation. In fact, it has been this way since the Ottoman empire, so it is reasonable to assume that it would not be any less complicated today. I myself have only a basic understanding of it, and it is something that I often read about. It can be said that the history of modern Serbia is dominated by Milosevic and his actions, and is haunted by the shadow of Tito.

What does this mean in a practical sense? Old men dig their own graves because they believe that paying someone else to do it is "a waste of money" (a view that my own grandfather would have wholeheartedly agreed with). Journalists risk their lives to produce genuine and factual television programs, rather than government propaganda. Priests attempt to revive the Orthodox church, with varying degrees of success. Politicians strive to remain decent and honest, also with mixed results. Everyone sings, drinks, and dances. Everyone blames the West for their country's problems (as usual, America is held responsible for everything). Nationalism is widespread, but is often concealed behind charm and friendliness. It is an uncomfortable and tense place to read about, because while some Serbs are fully aware of the damage that Milosevic has caused, many others are not, and instead choose to believe that they are the victims.

Thousands of years of "they started it," beginning with the Ottoman invasion, is difficult to overcome. Some Serbs are making an effort, while others are not. On a daily basis, this means being poor, stubborn, proud, arrogant, religious, rude, hospitable, cheerful, and full of song. In other words, like everyone else, the Serbs are complex people who are easy to admire in some aspects, but difficult to love in others. Although it may not be the fresh perspective on world affairs that it was when it was first published, it is still worth keeping in your collection for its accurate portrayal of a difficult period in history. It is recommended for those who appreciate the fact that world history never has simple answers, and for those whose own roots can be traced back to this region.

This book was indeed interesting, yet it seemed to drag on a bit.

Some parts of it were far more compelling than others, which made the reading experience a bit uneven.

The format of the book left me without any real take-aways. It failed to provide a clear and coherent message or conclusion that I could carry with me.

As a result, there was a lack of flow throughout the book, making it a bit of a struggle to get through at times.

However, it did manage to give a sense of what life was like in Serbia between 1999 and 2004.

Given the historical context and the events that took place during that time, it was, not surprisingly, a somewhat depressing read.

Despite its flaws, the book did offer some valuable insights into the lives and experiences of the people in Serbia during that period.

It made me think about the impact of war and political unrest on ordinary people and how they manage to survive and rebuild their lives in the face of such adversity.

Overall, while the book had its shortcomings, it was still worth reading for those who are interested in learning more about Serbia's recent history.

This was an extremely interesting book.

However, I constantly had to bear in mind that it pertained to specific individuals.

In other words, it presented merely a small portion of Serbia.

The author accomplished a great task in writing about these people.

The detailed descriptions and vivid accounts made me feel as if I was right there with them.

It truly piqued my curiosity about Serbia and its people.

As a result, I have decided that I'm going to have to visit there someday.

I long to experience the culture, traditions, and way of life that the author so beautifully depicted in this book.

I'm excited to explore the country and meet the people who inspired this captivating story.

I believe it will be an unforgettable adventure.