A candid portrayal of Serbian lives in the Balkans offers a unique glimpse into their world. It may not be as beautifully interwoven as the Bookseller of Kabul, as it jumps around a bit. However, this jagged narrative provides a poignant perspective on the Serbs she interviews and their evolving views of the horrors of war over time. It is an excellent read that presents an objective journalistic style, which only serves to heighten the reality of their experiences. Through this work, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex lives and emotions of the Serbian people in the Balkans.

A Remarkable Journey through a Nation Adrift

The way the author approached this book is truly remarkable and stands out in many aspects. However, it is her remarkably evenhanded manner that perhaps stands out the most. She always offers fact-check corrections at the conclusion of interviews that require it, and many do. Her openness granted her access to nearly all levels of Serbian society, from the very old rural farmer to the restaurant/club owner who became an advisor to Milosevic. In between, she engages in conversations, shares meals and drinks with, and at one point even sings with (!) all those who are willing. It is an odd case where I firmly believe that in many instances, she would never have obtained the same access had she been a man. Whether she was perceived as less threatening or perhaps taken less seriously, time and again she was invited into the lives of a dozen of the most disparate personalities one could ever imagine. By the end, an effective and powerful tapestry is woven. This book is highly recommended!

As an American, it is strange to recognize so many similarities in the disaffected of Serbian society as one would find here. The so-called "foreign oppressor" that many in the book blame for all their troubles is seemingly ever present. The worship of the so-called "strong leader" has an obvious corollary to our own populism. Going back a bit, especially to the American South and the "glorious Lost Cause" of the Civil War, there are parallels that cannot be ignored.

Please provide the article that needs to be rewritten and expanded so that I can help you.

The book conducts interviews with individuals from diverse backgrounds and holding different political ideas, aiming to examine the conflict from their respective perspectives.

As soon as I came across the assertion that Serbs don't understand democracy and the only way to rule them is with an iron fist, it immediately reminded me of some Egyptians' viewpoints. In fact, the entire book could very well have been penned in Egypt about Egyptians after the revolution. With just a few modifications, it would essentially be the same. This realization made me reflect on how remarkably similar we humans truly are. Despite our insistence that we are distinct or superior to others, there are underlying commonalities that bind us.

It is interesting to note how different situations in different countries can sometimes lead to strikingly similar attitudes and beliefs. This suggests that perhaps our understanding of democracy and governance is more complex and nuanced than we initially think. Maybe we need to look beyond our own prejudices and preconceptions and try to understand the experiences and perspectives of others in order to build more inclusive and democratic societies.

As I journeyed through the Balkans and made my way into Serbia, I was truly intrigued. The diverse range of characters with their different backgrounds and viewpoints provided a remarkable insight into Serbia's complex political and social terrain. It's a landscape that is extremely challenging to fathom from the outside, especially when Western media, like all media, has its own biases. By the time I read this book, I had already gained a relatively good understanding of Serbia's history. I dare say that without this prior knowledge, it would be quite difficult to grasp some of the subtleties. Therefore, I would highly recommend that anyone interested in delving into this book first takes the time to learn a bit about the history of Serbia. This way, they will be better equipped to appreciate and understand the rich and multi-faceted story that lies within the pages.

**"Asne Seierstad's Work and the Balkan Experience"**

Åsne Seierstad is an author who has always charmed me. Ever since I read "The Angel of Grozny" and then "The Bookseller of Kabul". Personally, "Turning Away from the World" has an emotional component. I traveled throughout the Balkans a couple of years ago. I believe many of us know the feeling of seeing or reading about places where we have been, where we have walked, and where we have collected experiences and emotions. And that's exactly what happened to me on every page of "Turning Away from the World".

The war is not easy. The dissolution of a country like Yugoslavia, ethnic cleansing, hatred, fratricide, and drawing borders in places that were once free are all difficult and traumatic processes. And after them, what? What happens to ordinary people? What happens to those who have to get up and go to work, raise and support their children, and live with the memories of a past conflict that has been forgotten by the media, which has found wars whose coverage gets more ratings? That's what Seierstad shows us in this book. What the Serbs think, how they live, what they dream, and how they suffer after the breakup of Yugoslavia. Perhaps some prior knowledge is necessary to enjoy this book as it should be, since it is not a history text, but rather interviews, experiences, and immersions in the subjectivity of the protagonists.

Do I recommend it? Yes, absolutely. And along with it, also Seierstad's other works.

I come from a family with some roots in the ex-Yugoslavia (though not Serbian).

Recently, I discovered a book that truly fascinated me. It provided a perspective on the 1990s conflicts that I had never fully grasped before.

The book claims to offer a comprehensive view of Serbian society, following a group of people from the era of the 1990s wars through the early 2000s. And it doesn't disappoint. In many instances, it reveals that Serbs were indeed victims, not only of the conflict but also of their own government's policies and manipulation.

Although it doesn't explore the stories of Bosnian or Montenegrin Serbs in-depth, it does present a diverse picture of Serbs in general, how they perceive one another, and how this shapes their lamentable self-image as victims, which is often overlooked in the West. It seems to connect all the stories around this central thesis.

As the interviewees grapple with hope and despair, and alternately support and lose faith in political powers that promise justice but always fail to deliver (often post-Tito), we get a vivid portrait of their self-image as bitter, unwanted sacrificial lambs, both to their own nation and to all of Europe. Or, as the book so aptly puts it, what it's like to be a member of 'The people who fought ten wars and lost them all.'

This book has truly opened my eyes and given me a deeper understanding of this complex and often misunderstood period in history.

Brilliant!

It truly inspired me to purchase and read all of Åsne Seierstad's books.

Regrettably, her works haven't been translated into Serbian yet.

However, they should be, as what she presents is nothing but the truth.

Her books would have been of great help to the new generations of Serbian students, enabling them not to repeat the mistakes of our generation.

The description of one of the '96/'97 protest leaders, Zoran Živković, is extremely insightful.

It provides a unique perspective and a deeper understanding of that crucial period in Serbian history.

Hopefully, in the near future, more people in Serbia will have the opportunity to access and appreciate Åsne Seierstad's remarkable works.

I truly relish Asne Seierstad's distinct personal style of journalism.

She has an extraordinary talent for making me feel deeply connected to the subjects of her books.

It's as if she has this magical ability to draw me into their worlds and make me experience their joys, sorrows, and everything in between.

This particular work took me on an interesting, surprising, and emotional journey into a European country that I had previously only known through depressing headlines.

It was eye-opening to see the other side of the story, the side that is often overlooked or ignored.

Seierstad's writing is so vivid and engaging that I felt like I was actually there, walking the streets, talking to the people, and experiencing the culture.

It was a truly unforgettable experience that has left me with a newfound appreciation for this country and its people.

I can't wait to read more of her work and see where she takes me next.

A great book in its concept, both before and after. It explores people's lives under Milosevic and in the years following his fall. A recurring theme becomes evident; as a nation, the Serbs are ordinary people striving to survive but trapped in a system of "backward looking."

They believe things were better under Milosevic, or even before him, perhaps a hundred years ago, and they also have expectations after Milosevic. The Serbs interviewed seem to have an ingrained perception of all the injustices endured only by the Serb people.

This book might be best read in just a couple of sittings to fully immerse oneself in the Serbian psyche. It offers a unique perspective on the Serbian experience, delving into their history, their hopes, and their sense of victimhood. By understanding their mindset, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complex issues that have shaped this nation.

Overall, it is a thought-provoking and engaging read that will leave a lasting impression on the reader.

I truly had a great time delving into the Serbian society through this book.

The author's choice of interviewees was remarkable, as it presented a rich tapestry of diversity.

Each individual had their own unique story and perspective, which added depth and authenticity to the overall narrative.

From different age groups to various occupations and backgrounds, the interviewees provided a comprehensive view of the Serbian society.

It was fascinating to learn about their traditions, values, and the challenges they faced.

This diversity not only made the book more engaging but also allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the complexity and richness of the Serbian culture.

I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to have read this book and to have been exposed to such a diverse range of voices.

It has broadened my horizons and left me with a newfound appreciation for the Serbian society.

This one is really good still, even though it is starting to be a few years old.

It is reliable because you get to meet so many people, very different and over a long period.

I, who know very little about the Yugoslavia conflict, feel much more informed through these human stories and the facts that are written in a really beautifully Seierstad-style!

The book offers a unique perspective on a complex and often overlooked historical event.

By presenting the experiences and voices of ordinary people, it brings the conflict to life and makes it more accessible to the reader.

The author's writing style is engaging and descriptive, allowing the reader to vividly imagine the scenes and emotions described.

Overall, this is a great book for anyone interested in history, human rights, or simply a good read.

It provides valuable insights into a tragic period in history and reminds us of the importance of understanding and learning from the past.