The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway is a moving story based on fact. It chronicles the few days in Sarajevo during 1992 when the real “Cellist of Sarajevo,” Vedran Smailovic, played his cello for 22 days in the exact spot where 22 people had been killed while waiting in line for bread.
In the novel, a counter-sniper, Arrow, is assigned to keep the cellist from getting shot and killed. Arrow is the best at what she does but still wrestles with the moral dilemma of having to take another’s life. She wonders if she is any better than the men in the hills trying to destroy her city.
We also meet Kenan, a man on his way to fetch water for his family, and we follow his life-threatening journey as well as his thoughts, fears, and hopes for the future. Another character, Dragan, misses his family, whom he helped to get out of the country. All of them are waiting. Waiting for help that never comes.
Told in a simple but unforgettable style, Galloway captures this unfortunate moment in history in a way that will break your heart for all victims of war.
This book will be released on May 15 from Riverhead Books.
2008, 231 pp.
Rating: 
I gave this one top marks – it absolutely took my breath away – and the fact that it is based on a real story is even more incredible
Great review. I’ve seen a lot of positive review for this book and have it on my mammoth TBR.
This sounds wonderful. Novels about that conflict are generally very moving and instructive. I’ve added this one to my list of books to be found for future reading. Thanks for the great review.
This sounds like a wonderful book. I’ll be sure to keep my eye open for it when it comes out.
That sounds wonderful, especially given the fact that it’s based on a true story. Thanks! I’ll have to look that one up. Riverhead Books is one of my favorite publishers.
I hope you all enjoy it. It’s a moving story!
Great review of another book on my TBR. Thanks!
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