Rating: 
Summary: A Masterpiece
Review: Some years ago I set out to read something by all of the Nobel Prize novelists. This has resulted in some long searches and some (occassionally) boring books. However, it has, in general, been a most rewarding experience. One of the highlights thus far has been "discovering" "The Bridge on the Drina". Although I read the book 14 years ago, it has stayed with me. The basic story is using the construction of a bridge centuries ago to trace the history of the Balkan area (and, occassionally, country) of Bosnia. What makes the book interesting is what makes that area interesting; the many different ethnic groups that fought over and, sometimes, co-existed in this region where the Muslim crusades were stopped but not repulsed. There are many stories centered around the bridge and they tell not only of the history of the area but of the people as well. This is a well-written, absorbing book. I have read several other books since by Ivo Andric and they have been worthwhile as well. However, it is "The Bridge on the Drina" that properly marked him as one of the better European authors of the 20th Century. This is a literary experience that you should not miss.
Rating:
Summary: one of the best books
Review: If you love reading great books then you must read this book. Written by one of the best Bosnian writers. Another Bosnian writer that you should check is Mesa Selimovic. This book does exagerate at certain points in the book but overall it is a superbly written book. One of the reviewers (above or below me named Vladimir Miletic) wrote that Ivo Andric is Serbian? What nonsense. Did he even read the book? It must be the Serbian expansionist mentality (still at it, even after losing 4 wars against ragtag armies): lying, propaganda...bla, bla, bla. Ivo Andric was catholic if you are intersted in that to me irrelevant thing: either you are a good person or you are not. Your religion, ethnicity or nationality does not make you smarter or better than others. That is earned by being a good person, honest, smart...Get it Mr Miletic.
Rating: 
Summary: Just few thoughts
Review: Firstly, I remember reading this book in my native tounge, the one Andric used to write this book. That was during the last years of my high school. First thing I remember was that it was very hard to read it, initially though, due to the language and style Andric used. After 20-30 pages I could not leave the book. It is a beautiful work which I was thought is a close interpretation of the real history of that region. It is a story of a small town on the river Drina, river that separates Bosnia and Serbia. The 'hero' or the book is the Bridge built in (i believe) 15th century. Andric tells the story where everything changes trough times while the bridge still stands there as a testament to what has passed. It truly deserved the Nobel Prize it got. Recommendation is just read it.
For two people down posting about his etnicity. Ivo Andric was a catholic who said that he was born Croat but saw himself as a Yugoslav, but would always be a Serb at heart. I thing that is where Miletic and most of the Serbs get the idea that he was a Serb. The way I remember him (reading about him :-) ), i.e. what most people describe him as, is a great caring person one that truly loved people from that region (especially people from Bosnia), a true example of what most people of that region are really like.
Cheers
Rating:
Summary: fantastic novel
Review: This fantastic novel describes the life in Bosnia during Turkish rule throughout the existence of the bridge on the beautiful river Drina. It's in fact describing the whole rule of Ottoman Empire over small Bosnian bridge and cities it connects. The actual perish of Ottoman reign over Bosnia is symbolized in the very last sentence of the novel. This is a great book that uncovers life in Bosnia in very vivid, terrified and truthful way, and not only those who understand the history of Bosnia throughout centuries, yet many others can appreciate this great literary work. Ivo Andric with his addictive writing adds more beauty to it.
Rating:
Summary: Sublime historic novel!
Review: This work was the first opus to introduce me into Andric world . This Literature Nobel (1960) painted with his admirable and surprising style all the essential moods of his beloved country.
He is an author of deep honesty and conviction . Acquire it and I swear you that you will be engaged from the first page.
Rating:
Summary: Rediscovering journey for a powerful book
Review: In the news today I read about the Stari Most rebuilt bridge. Immediately this brought back memories about a beautiful and powerful novel I read 10+ years ago, in a Vietnamese translation. It's also about a bridge in the Balkan region, though I don't remember the name or author anymore.
Thanks to Google search, I finally found that book, and you guessed it, it's the Bridge on the Drina!
I would try to find a hard-cover edition (so they can be passed down to my children), but if not I'll have to be content with the paperback.
Rating:
Summary: one of the best books
Review: Some years ago I set out to read something by all of the Nobel Prize novelists. This has resulted in some long searches and some (occassionally) boring books. However, it has, in general, been a most rewarding experience. One of the highlights thus far has been "discovering" "The Bridge on the Drina". Although I read the book 14 years ago, it has stayed with me. The basic story is using the construction of a bridge centuries ago to trace the history of the Balkan area (and, occassionally, country) of Bosnia. What makes the book interesting is what makes that area interesting; the many different ethnic groups that fought over and, sometimes, co-existed in this region where the Muslim crusades were stopped but not repulsed. There are many stories centered around the bridge and they tell not only of the history of the area but of the people as well. This is a well-written, absorbing book. I have read several other books since by Ivo Andric and they have been worthwhile as well. However, it is "The Bridge on the Drina" that properly marked him as one of the better European authors of the 20th Century. This is a literary experience that you should not miss.
Rating:
Summary: Magnificent
Review: Fabulous. One of the best books I've read. Blends a detailed history, with vivid images, and true human emotion to recreate life along a Yugoslavian bridge over several centuries.
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