Zlata's Diary

Author: Zlata Filipović

Pages Read 108

Pages in the book 199

This book is really interesting and also rather disturbing. This novel is the diary of a thirteen year old Bosnian girl in Sarajevo. It starts off with her just starting fifth grade and she writes about how excited she is to see her friends again, little does she know of the horrors that await her. A few months later talk starts going around of a siege in Dubrovnik, but still nobody suspects that it will come any closer until a city in Bosnia is under siege, which is where the Filipovic's family friend Srdjan lives, so they send him food and try to call him regularly. It's only when in April they start shelling Sarajevo that the real danger comes. School is no longer on and every time you leave your house there is a possibility that you will be shot by snipers. Even the arrival of the UN doesn't bring huge help, apart from bringing food or water they can't really do anything to stop the Serbs' relentless shelling. I'm a  bit shocked to learn that less than twenty ago things like this where happening and, similar things still are happening today even with the UN and NATO. I wonder what drove the soldiers, up in the hills with their sniper rifles to pull the trigger and kill innocent people? Zlata's best friend was killed by shrapnel and Zlata couldn't see her grandparents for a year for the fear of getting a bullet in her head when she crossed the bridge. I mean, for goodness sake most children where having their summer holidays while so many people in Sarajevo where huddled in their cellar with no electricity, listening to the tremors of the constant artillery barrage. I found this book a real mind opener and I guess it kind of shows you what's really out there. Recommended for anyone who is interested in politics and politicians or the kids as she calls them.