Sarajevo Firewood

The novel "Sarajevo Firewood" was shortlisted for the International Prize for Arabic Fiction (IPAF) award in 2020. It explores the legacy of the recent histories of Algeria and Bosnia-Herzegovina, both of which experienced traumatic civil wars in the 1990s. The novel narrates the lives of two main characters, Salim and Ivana, who have fled their countries to build a new life in Slovenia. It brings to life the memories and experiences of the ordinary people who survived the conflicts, representing a lasting memorial to the thousands of dead and disappeared.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 09 September 2021
Publisher: Banipal Books

Sarajevo Firewood, a captivating novel that was shortlisted for the prestigious International Prize for Arabic Fiction (IPAF) award in 2020, delves into the profound legacy of the recent histories of two nations, Algeria and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Both countries endured devastating and ultimately futile civil wars in the 1990s, leaving scars that continue to resonate today. The novel weaves the lives of two central characters, Salim, an Algerian journalist, and Ivana, a young Bosnian woman, as they embark on a journey of escape from the destruction and hatred that engulfed their own countries. Seeking a fresh start, they find solace in Slovenia, a land of promise and opportunity.

Through the lens of Ivana's pursuit of her dream play, Khatibis vividly brings to life the memories and experiences of the countless ordinary people who survived the atrocities that bound these two countries together. Sarajevo Firewood serves as a lasting memorial to the thousands of lives lost and the families torn apart during the civil conflicts. It also offers a powerful and novel exploration of the profound experience of exile that has affected so many individuals over the past few decades.

Khatibis' masterful storytelling captures the resilience, determination, and hope of the characters as they navigate the challenges of exile. The novel explores the complexities of identity, culture, and belonging, highlighting the ways in which individuals are forced to adapt and redefine themselves in unfamiliar environments. It sheds light on the struggles of integration, the search for belonging, and the emotional toll of displacement.

Sarajevo Firewood is a testament to the power of literature to transcend boundaries and connect people across cultures. It offers a poignant reflection on the human experience and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Through its vivid portrayal of the lives of Salim and Ivana, as well as the broader community of exiles, the novel invites readers to reflect on the complexities of history, the consequences of conflict, and the importance of empathy and understanding.

In conclusion, Sarajevo Firewood is a remarkable work of fiction that explores the legacy of trauma, exile, and the human spirit. It is a testament to the power of literature to shed light on the complexities of human experience and to inspire empathy and understanding across cultures. The novel's nomination for the IPAF award is a testament to its literary merit and its ability to engage readers on a profound level.

Weight: 286g
Dimension: 237 x 198 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913043230