A review by serendipitysbooks
Crossing by Pajtim Statovci

challenging dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

  Crossing is the story of Bujar who, along with best friend Agim, decides to flee his Albanian hometown in search of greater happiness elsewhere. It’s a novel that touches on some heavy themes - sexual and gender identity, shame, the isolation of being a refugee, belonging and acceptance. There is graphic ongoing sexual assault and an attempted suicide as well so not an easy read. Bujar is a complicated character, not always a reliable narrator, someone who never settles and is constantly reinventing himself. His actions are often reprehensible, but knowledge of his past makes it a little easier to understand them. While there are some comic moments the overall tone of this book is grim and brutal, an accurate reflection of the realities of war-torn Albania and the life Bujar felt forced to lead. The incorporation of Albanian folk tales throughout this novel was a bonus, adding an additional layer of depth. 
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