Stillness: And Other Stories

Rating:
Summary: Ethnic hatred made readable
Review: Generally stories that focus on the atrocities of ethnic wars are too difficult and painful to read, but in this vivid debut story collection, author Brkic writes of the human tragedy as fiction. The tales are of course based on the tragedy of former Yugoslavia's 'difficulties' as Bosnia and Croatia tried to erase each other's ethnic memory. She is a gifted writer, able to reduce the unfathomable horror to the level of one human being at a time.

Rating:
Summary: "Spoils" of war
Review: If ever there were a book that should be read by all world leaders, this is it. Despite whatever lofty goals are used as an excuse for war, this amazingly written literary debut should make each and every one of us think long and hard about the effects of such military action. Each story reveals the pain experienced by a different citizen, whether directly involved in the fighting or not. Each experience and point of view is painful, and lasting, and not easily or perhaps ever "rebuilt" into a feeling of safety again. The common humanity in all of us has been intimately detailed and portrayed with such power; it should be a constant reminder to us of the need for mutual respect and dignity, as well. Kudos to Ms. Brkic for giving us such a meaningful gift!