hollysmith54's review against another edition
4.0
I must go to Sarajevo. I loved this.
Edit: went to Sarajevo and now I must read this again. I am a sucker for fiction based on true events or set in a poignant historical context. And Bosnia & Herzegovina has my heart so now Iโm even more sold. Highly recommend this book and the country.
Edit: went to Sarajevo and now I must read this again. I am a sucker for fiction based on true events or set in a poignant historical context. And Bosnia & Herzegovina has my heart so now Iโm even more sold. Highly recommend this book and the country.
lbb00ks's review against another edition
5.0
Three beautiful and tragic threads weave a spare tapestry of life in Sarajevo during the 1992-6 siege of the city. My understanding of that conflict is much deeper and more personal in a way I'll carry for life.
pineapple2135's review against another edition
dark
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
bia_w's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
carlyroth10's review against another edition
5.0
A weapon does not decide whether or not to kill. A weapon is a manifestation of a decision that has already been made
One thing I will say before I go on to rave about this book is that I would strongly recommend reading up on the Bosnian war and the history behind the Siege of Sarajevo before going into the book. I struggled, in the beginning, to understand what the hell was happening (I was never taught history past the Cold War so hold your judgment if you'd please).
The beautiful thing about [b:The Cellist of Sarajevo|2475251|The Cellist of Sarajevo|Steven Galloway|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1442797420l/2475251._SX50_.jpg|2482448] is that youโre fully immersed in the feelings war creates. [a:Steven Galloway|291620|Steven Galloway|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1232244321p2/291620.jpg] makes you feel all the fear, anxiety, and sadness those trapped in war experience. He also somehow desensitizes the reader to the mass murder like many of the survivors and victims of the siege of Sarajevo experienced.
Although deceivingly short, this book holds such an emotional punch and deep character evaluation, that the shortness is almost a necessity. I loved how the stories never aligned except for the common interest of the cellist. The range of perspectives and timelines of the characters adds to the depth of the plot. Although it would've been interesting to have a perspective of the men on the hills, it didn't take away from the story at all.
One of the most beautifully heartbreaking, yet uplifting stories about war.
One thing I will say before I go on to rave about this book is that I would strongly recommend reading up on the Bosnian war and the history behind the Siege of Sarajevo before going into the book. I struggled, in the beginning, to understand what the hell was happening (I was never taught history past the Cold War so hold your judgment if you'd please).
The beautiful thing about [b:The Cellist of Sarajevo|2475251|The Cellist of Sarajevo|Steven Galloway|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1442797420l/2475251._SX50_.jpg|2482448] is that youโre fully immersed in the feelings war creates. [a:Steven Galloway|291620|Steven Galloway|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1232244321p2/291620.jpg] makes you feel all the fear, anxiety, and sadness those trapped in war experience. He also somehow desensitizes the reader to the mass murder like many of the survivors and victims of the siege of Sarajevo experienced.
Although deceivingly short, this book holds such an emotional punch and deep character evaluation, that the shortness is almost a necessity. I loved how the stories never aligned except for the common interest of the cellist. The range of perspectives and timelines of the characters adds to the depth of the plot. Although it would've been interesting to have a perspective of the men on the hills, it didn't take away from the story at all.
One of the most beautifully heartbreaking, yet uplifting stories about war.
arthurbennett07's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
ashtree11's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
karimorton33's review against another edition
4.0
I have never read any books about this topic, and frankly didn't really know anything about the Siege of Sarajevo. While the book only spanned a 3 week time period (or less) I found a lot of depth to the thoughts of the characters, and the writing depicted the violence and how the war had changed things. I really like how this book focuses on the civilians, and touches on their memories of the city before the war started. (Read for Central Book Club)
yoora_zan's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Violence, and Gun violence