Bolla

In April 1995, Arsim, a 22-year-old Albanian, is newly married and trying to finish his studies in Kosovo, on the cusp of a dreadful war. He encounters Milos, a Serb, and begins a life in secret, exploring the vandalism of war, the wounds of love, and the limits of the human soul.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 06 April 2023
Publisher: Faber & Faber

In the depths of a breathtakingly beautiful tragedy, Devastating unfolds its tale. Torrey Peters, in his Superb review, acknowledges the immense talent of Statovci, the author. Set in April 1995, Kosovo stands on the precipice of a catastrophic war, a young Albanian named Arsim, aged twenty-two, finds himself navigating a delicate path, striving to blend in and complete his studies amidst the growing shadows of threat. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he crosses paths with Milos, a Serb, embarking on a clandestine existence.

This literary masterpiece is a profound exploration of the devastation wrought by war, the scars left by love, and the boundaries of the human soul. Eimear McBride, in her captivating review, praises the author for their masterful craftsmanship, describing the book as a pitch-perfect excavation of the cruelty of war, the pain of love, and the limitations of the human spirit.

Through the eyes of Arsim, the reader is transported to a world of hidden lives, secret loves, and the unyielding grip of fear. The characters are vividly portrayed, their emotions palpable, and their struggles relatable. Statovci weaves a tapestry of suspense, tenderness, and moral dilemmas, leaving the reader pondering the complexities of human nature and the devastating consequences of conflict.

Devastating is a testament to the power of literature to shed light on the darkest corners of the human experience. It is a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of compassion and understanding in a world that often seems plagued by hatred and destruction. As readers immerse themselves in this poignant tale, they are invited to reflect on the complexities of war, the price of love, and the search for redemption in the face of adversity.

Weight: 198g
Dimension: 199 x 129 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780571361342
Edition number: Main