Sarajevo Walls of Fate

This is the first book I've read on here (since joining a few weeks ago!) that immediately lives up to its category of Literary Fiction - I would call it 'contemporary literary fiction'. I felt confident from the opening lines that this was an author with an interesting, unique tale to tell.

Congratulations and best wishes, Lisa (Death And The City - sorry for the delay in responding to your most original book!)

Well that’s a hell of an opener, isn’t it. Got my attention.

I appreciated the way you kept coming back to the hole, using it to expand the story.

The details 1918, 17 occupants—give your narrative authority.

By now—just prior to April 1992—I’m in a mystery. I didn’t expect that, but am interested in the quest.
I was ready for and ate up the scene with Eldin. You’ve got me.

Wow! Why hasn’t this seen the light of day. This is as good as any I’ve read in the genre. You bring a perspective that is larger than the war—battles, key figures, politics, etc. You’ve really zeroed in on something more intriguing.

Elements of the da Vinci Code and other thrillers.

Marija, this is a fine work, told with heart and soul - one that has been protected well, I think! The opening stuns, even more so when later we find out the symbolism of where the hole in the lady's chest lies, and wonder at the fate of her soul.

The characterizations, as we dip into each episode of Jasna's life, are superb, even those we meet only briefly. It's an interesting style, if that's the right word, as the story goes back and forth in time. It's something that rarely works, but I believe you have it down to a fine art. I wasn't sure, at first, about the episode with the baby in the middle of it all, but now feel it is either a slice of that war-torn place, or of course an important thread to the story Jasna feels compelled to research. Singapore steams, as does Jasna's time with Mark. Her feelings, soft as well as practicality borne of the life she has led, shine so true. The episodes with her friend and the fortune tellers bring a depth to be pondered for a long time, as well as great humor. New York and the stranger... a strange slice of NY life! Back in time we go, and a well-observed profundity that again, will be pondered by both Jasna and the reader for a long time as in *history repeats itself*. And now we are in Sarajevo again, with a heart-breaking letter for Jasna to deliver. And we wonder, too, what will become of Jasna now.

A truly stunning work, Marija, and the imagination you showed in your *Chimney Sweep* play, shows with this book just where such imagination comes from. Backed with heartfelt wishes for your success, sure that you SHALL have that million dollars, just as Jasna says she will......!

Kay
(Waystation to Prosperity Street)

The opening fantastic. It's a vivid setting, strong characters and a great hook to keep me interested. It's an adventurous lifestyle in a dangerous place. And the romance works as well.

I think your pitch needs a little bit of work, as it's not specific enough. I hope you have a strong query letter because agents should really give this a shot.

I'll gladly back this.

Brian
Mute

Marija - I confess I know next to nothing about Sarajevo and thought I would have a hard time reading this...but in fact, it flows beautifully and your English is flawless. The story line is intriguing as well, and the image of the woman with a hole in her heart is stunning. This book is way under-rated on this website and you are obviously a very talented, professional writer. Wondering if the title sounds daunting to Authonomy readers? I envy your flexibility with language. I am going to put your book into the rotation on my shelf and recommend it to my mother in law, who is a former teacher and would love it. High stars! ~Gail SECRETS WE KEEP

By coincidence I interviewed a woman from Sarajevo this afternoon and we spoke briefly of a few of these things. Literary fiction, backed!

This is a beautiful piece of literature! I read the first 3 chapters, and I'm completely amazed by your compelling style and gift for storytelling. Although the "hole in the chest" has received many positive comments here already, I must whole-heartedly agree with its profound effect. Amazing. You are truly a talented writer. Starring highly and on my WL.
All the very best,
Faith Rose
Now To Him

Thank you so much for your lovely support, Harriet.

I've read this several times now, on Authonomy and off, and, as ever, it's the image in the opening paragraph that draws me back to the book. It is, quite literally, arresting, and I am pleased to say its impact loses nothing with familiarity. I am so pleased the whole text is now available elsewhere. I wish you all the best with it. Harriet

I've read this several times now, on Authonomy and off, and, as ever, it's the image in the opening paragraph that draws me back to the book. It is, quite literally, arresting, and I am pleased to say its impact loses nothing with familiarity. I am so pleased the whole text is now available elsewhere. I wish you all the best with it. Harriet

I very much appreciate your comment and I'm well aware that I can't please all tastes, especially those readers who take things literally.
Regards, M

This is perhaps a bit unfair, as your work is obviously intended to build on itself, but your style and word choices make it rough going for me. I am what might be described as a 'concrete' thinker and tend to take my reading material in it's most natural and literate sense. With that in mind there is much in your opening sequence that bogs down my absorbing your tale as I puzzle over your details and word choices.

"A woman... stopped me" this is a very strong phrase with a compelling verb that implies forceful action by an external force. In your context 'I was stopped by the figure of a woman' would lead the reader in a more true direction. If your intent was to be ambiguous, 'I was stopped by the sight of a woman' perhaps.

'hundred-year-old' or 'hundred year old' but not "hundred-year old"

The structure of the next sentence left me wondering who was being shaded, the viewer or fresco.

"The figure... was holding a spear" ("of a lady" is un-necessary).

The third paragraph (again) is much too familiar in terms, suitable for a living woman, but causing confusion in regards to a 'drawing'.

In the forth paragraph "solid" and "sturdy" mean essentially the same thing.


Well, you can see how your style affects a reader who has a mindset for 'concrete' images. You could bring these consideration well into the rest of your storyline to some benefit. These insights are just that - insights from the mind of a single reader; like all critique to be weighed and accepted or discarded as suits your style and intent.

Good luck in getting published.

This is perhaps a bit unfair, as your work is obviously intended to build on itself, but your style and word choices make it rough going for me. I am what might be described as a 'concrete' thinker and tend to take my reading material in it's most natural and literate sense. With that in mind there is much in your opening sequence that bogs down my absorbing your tale as I puzzle over your details and word choices.

"A woman... stopped me" this is a very strong phrase with a compelling verb that implies forceful action by an external force. In your context 'I was stopped by the figure of a woman' would lead the reader in a more true direction. If your intent was to be ambiguous, 'I was stopped by the sight of a woman' perhaps.

'hundred-year-old' or 'hundred year old' but not "hundred-year old"

The structure of the next sentence left me wondering who was being shaded, the viewer or fresco.

"The figure... was holding a spear" ("of a lady" is un-necessary).

The third paragraph (again) is much too familiar in terms, suitable for a living woman, but causing confusion in regards to a 'drawing'.

In the forth paragraph "solid" and "sturdy" mean essentially the same thing.

Well, you can see how your style affects a reader who has a mindset for 'concrete' images. You could bring these consideration well into the rest of your storyline to some benefit. These insights are just that - insights from the mind of a single reader; like all critique to be weighed and accepted or discarded as suits your style and intent.

Good luck in getting published.

Marija,

Your book Sarajevo, Walls of Fate is like a geography book. It allows the reader to experience different places and people through the eyes of journalist, Jasna. It makes us hope for peace for war-torn Yugoslavia and a lasting love for this trusting, young woman. You took me on such a journey, that I found I had to read very carefully, the scenes changed very quickly and my mind had to continually adjust to a new cultures, situations, and characters. But I kept reading, trusting that all the pieces would come together. Your writing is flawless and a tribute to the beauty, strength, and giftedness of the people of Sarajevo. Highly starred.

Dianna Lanser
Nothing But The Blood

Okay, I read through your first chapter. I'm going to start by saying that I do not comment on grammar as I do not feel that I am strong enough in that area to do so. If you wish for me to read more than the first chapter just let me know. Also, I am a new writer so take my advice with a grain of salt. Here is where my impressions of your story:

Characterization was good. I specifically enjoyed Jasna. My one concern was when she was introduced. At first I didn't know if she was greeting someone and saying their name or if she was introducing herself. I read on though and it was made clear. Just something to be aware of. Anyways, her dialogue was authentic and I enjoyed it. She had a voice of her own and I really like your descriptions of how off put she is by the hole in the chest of statue.

I enjoyed the POV, thought it was executed well and did justice to the story. Paced well and that your target audience will stay right with you through the narrative. Good luck with this and I predict this will be at the ED before too long! On my WL for now(and unofficial one) and given five stars.

Best,

Ashley
"Maddy Hatfield and the Magic Locket"

It is the first time, out of all the books that I have read so far here, that when I reached the end of the second chapter I felt disapp
ointed. I wanted to read more. Unfortunately at the moment, two chapters is my limit since I have so many people waiting for exchanging comments.
I have to say, these first two chapters have been a pleasure to read and I feel incredibly honoured that you have backed my book.
Everything in them flows. The dialogue is superb. I love how the snippets of information are intertwined. I love the atmosphere that you create leaving so much unsaid. I hate too much information.
But what I love more is that, I don't know how you manage it, but, somehow, if feels deeply sad, poignant.
I did not notice any typos either.
The first two chapters are just BEAUTIFUL.
Best of luck with it!

Hello Marija , I've just been looking at your book and was interested in the Sarajevo setting , a place most people in the UK have heard of , but know very little about , though the image that always abides is that of ordinary people trying to get to work under sniper fire. So you have chosen a very dramatic place to set a novel and a most suitable one. The tone and structure of the book is clever and ,of course, you started with an effective hook , with the lady and the hole in her chest and the introduction of the abandoned baby heightens tension at once , because the reader immediately starts to worry about the baby. I wonder if you you would have time (if you have nothing more constructive to do ) to look at the first chapter of my novel 'A Buccaneer' which is an historical , adventure romance set in the 17th c entury and includes lost love, the Great Plague of London, Cambridge University , Sir Henry Morgan , the attack on Panama 1671, a five handed duel, , Spanish Ladies and much more ,with best wishes, Strachan Gordon

hi Marija, fine writing. enticing start. starred and shelved.
i'm captured. i'm also a picky sort when i like something. will read on to see if i have any very minor edits to offer.
very best wishes, andy

Marija,
"Sarajevo Walls of Fate" offering vignettes in the life of Jasna, your erstwhile journalist turned seeker of love in unusual places, war-torn Bosnia, straitlaced Singapore, feckless New York, is absolutely fascinating. Like studying depictions on rare tapestry. The straightforward style of your narrative worded simply and vividly brought to light the introspective thoughts of your main character, expalining the reason why she would flee the love professed by a spineless, flighty man masquerading as Prince Charming. Thank you so much.

Kenneth Edward Lim
The North Korean

I am very, very impressed with Sarajevo Walls of Fate. Told with honesty and craft, it's a pleasure to read. Quality. Atmospheric and detailed where it should be, while sparsity of prose is utilized to great effect when appropriate. Jasna's story resounds with meaning. A six-star read.
Best,
John Campbell

Zdravo, kako ide? Super ti je knjiga.

Fabulous start, Marija.... Why does the woman have a hole in her chest? What is the woman? Think this has teased me to read on and check this one out. Suggest you maybe add a few breathing spaces as paragraph 2 and 3 are hard to read out loud, if you try it, you'll see. Just needs a few comma's and a bit of a tidy up. Lindsey J
To Paint A White Horse.

A wandering narrative, a musing tone, polished and well written. A minor typo I noticed in the first chapter, 'etherial' should be 'ethereal,' (unless it's a quite different word you had in mind.)
Well done, and to be backed, Marj.

Marija,

"Chim chiminy, chim chiminy, chim chim cheroo,
Good luck will rub off when I shake hands with you.
Chim chiminy, chim chiminy, chim chim cheroo,
Blow me a kiss, and that's lucky too."
..............From Mary Poppins

That song came right into my head as your chimney sweep was relaying his encounters. I enjoyed the first two acts of your play. It's also a pantomime or possibly a musical with the right songs. It's good enough to be in the Gaiety Theater in Dublin, and if it's good enough for Dublin, it's good enough for the rest of the world.

Looking forward to the rest,
Annette

This important book put me in mind of "The Bookseller of Kabul". The confident, simple style is a joy to read. There's a heart felt honesty to this book. It tackles a very important question - how do you recover from having witnessed the very worst humanity has to offer?

Interesting first page and the pace went well. I will read more when I have better time available for concentration. Good so far.

Thank you so much, Carolina Al.
Your comments made me work harder and hopefully better. And I will make sure to fix other little bits, too.
Very best wishes to you,
M
- Weekend Chimney Sweep or Happy New Year
- Sarajevo Walls of Fate

I reread your first chapter.

General comments: I like your revisions. Whatever you did, the story seems to flow faster. The dialogue seems more engaging. This is an appealing story with a believable main character.

Specific comments on chapter 1:
1) "Whatever. I hope you are right." Dejan muttered. Comma after 'right.'
2) There are still several instances where the close quote mark is missing from the end of dialogue. Here are some example (but there are more cases than these examples):
a) "... and now this. I won't have it any more.
b) 'It made use of classical motifs, for example Hercules sometimes as a mediaeval knight (also note that a period is missing from the end of this sentence)
c) 'Hard to know.
3) "He's SOMEBODY's baby." No need to write in all capitals. If you want to emphasize a word, the normal way is to italicize the word. Readers undertand that italicized words are emphasis words.

As you can see, my list of suggestions is minimal which is testament to your revision skill. Thanks for supporting "Savannah Passion" in the past. Should "Savannah Passion" make it into the top five books next month, I hope that you will return it to your shelf and keep it there until it is selected for the editor's desk.

Have a fine day.

I reread your first chapter.

General comments: I like your revisions. Whatever you did, the story seems to flow faster. The dialogue seems more engaging. This is an appealing story with a believable main character.

Specific comments on chapter 1:
1) "Whatever. I hope you are right." Dejan muttered. Comma after 'right.'
2) There are still several instances where the close quote mark is missing from the end of dialogue. Here are some example (but there are more cases than these examples):
a) "... and now this. I won't have it any more.
b) 'It made use of classical motifs, for example Hercules sometimes as a mediaeval knight (also note that a period is missing from the end of this sentence)
c) 'Hard to know.
3) "He's SOMEBODY's baby." No need to write in all capitals. If you want to emphasize a word, the normal way is to italicize the word. Readers undertand that italicized words are emphasis words.

As you can see, my list of suggestions is minimal which is testament to your revision skill. Thanks for supporting "Savannah Passion" in the past. Should "Savannah Passion" make it into the top five books next month, I hope that you will return it to your shelf and keep it there until it is selected for the editor's desk.

Have a fine day.

Well that’s a hell of an opener, isn’t it. Got my attention.

I appreciated the way you kept coming back to the hole, using it to expand the story.

The details 1918, 17 occupants—give your narrative authority.

By now—just prior to April 1992—I’m in a mystery. I didn’t expect that, but am interested in the quest.
I was ready for and ate up the scene with Eldin. You’ve got me.

Wow! Why hasn’t this seen the light of day. This is as good as any I’ve read in the genre. You bring a perspective that is larger than the war—battles, key figures, politics, etc. You’ve really zeroed in on something more intriguing.

Elements of the da Vinci Code and other thrillers.

During the updating process I lost all my backings.

Captured in the first sentence - brilliant.

Thank you, CarolinaAl for your time and dissecting Ch.1. Revamp will take place soon.

I read your first chapter. Due the number of errors, I didn't read further.

General impressions: You've given us an appealing story with a believable main character. Well described settings. The dialogue is natural, but not very interesting. You're not making full use of narrative. I'd like to see more of the point of view character's thoughts and reactions. The story develops very slowly in the first chapter. Too slowly for my taste. Perhaps too slowly for the thriller market.

Specifics:
1) Your opening paragraph hooked me.
2) 'Built in the Austrian style' doesn't bring an image to my mind because I don't know what Austrian stairs look like.
3) 'Why did you kill them?' I asked an incarcerated, frail looking Serb prisoner-of-war. 'Can I have a cigarette?' the young man answered back, endless pleading in his eyes. This one paragraph should be two. Each time a new person speaks, start a new paragraph.
4) The present owners live abroad and who knows if they will ever come back. Either write all in present tense or all in past tense. Whatever you do, don't write in both. Since most of this chapter is in past tense, shift this sentence and the one after it to past tense. There are many more cases of switching in to and out of present tense. This is huge. You need to correct this. If you don't correct anything else, correct this problem for sure.
5) The dialogue that begins 'It could just as easily be Achiles ...' needs a closed quote. There are many more cases of this type of problem.
6) Nice use of similies. For example, 'like a judge ready to deliver a verdict.'
7) The lady ... well .... When using ellipses ( ... ), only use three dots. Using four dots is unusual and pulls the reader out of your story while they try to decide what you mean with four dots. You don't want that.
8) 'Oh, I'll do that as soon as tomorrow' I promised. Comma after 'tomorrow.' When a dialogue tag (ie: I promised) follows dialogue, the last sentence of dialogue is punctuated with a comma.
9) Eldin said a little guiltily. 'Mind you ...' Comma after 'guiltily.' When a dialogue tag (ie: Eldin said a little guiltily) preceeds dialogue, the dialogue tag is punctuated with a comma. There are more cases of this type of problem.
10) SOMEBODY'S No need to write in all capitals. Writing in all capitals is unusual and pulls the reader out of your story while they try to determine what you mean by all capitals. You don't want that to happen.

That's all I have for you. I hope it helps. Remember, this critique is just my opinion. Take what you find helpful and discard the rest.

Dear Marija, I had forgotten you had a 2nd book, so re-read it because I wasn't sure which one you had added to. :) This is so touching. :) A Persian cat :) - what a wonderful gift. :) Would that anyone would be so gracious to me! :) You have put me right there with you in the traumatic story to see what really was happening during this war & your love story really set it off, especially the letters printed out. :) Both of your books are so well written. :) Love, Susie :)

Just as brill as your other book :)

Dawn
Sammy and the Wise Willow

I will upload it soon, Orlando. Cheers, M

You have my curiosity. I went looking for Ch 4.

You have my curiosity. I went looking for Ch 4.

I can see why the disappointment of being let down in love in Singapore might not feel so bad after witnessing far worse things. Of course after being caught up in a civil war in one's own town, one might be desperate for love as a sort of consolation. But life is cruel and snatches away the consolation even. And the old bombardment tireness returns.

Ch 3
"Go and never come back" ............ you have me. I am fully attuned now. The NY lightness serves as a supurb contrast to that ominous statement and the words immediately following it.
I love history.
Ach, I have three children and I can see my youngest who is 13 raising his hand. I also ruffle his hair for good luck. "Comrade" ach, we don't hear that word too often now. 'The words sat in my stomach like bad ice-cream' I like that. I also ate too much cheese cake late last night. Like the father, this Englishman has often reflected that his grandather fought in France and his father in India and I have fought nowhere. But I have two boys. We are ... nearly ... there ...
"On may 24 1992 ..." not May 23 or May 25 ... I can see the sweeping taking place. Can this be our city? We must clean it up. Away with this! But history, o history! the history I love, repeats itself. The letter is full of dumbfoundment at the consequences of being caught up in said repeating history... Tis a beautiful piece of writing because it is from the heart of a dying man who is telling certain truths he was not able to say in life. He is consoling himself as the pain is driving him insane by focusing on the hopes and dreams of a better time. There are several outstanding lines in the letter 'I have several pieces of shrapnel in my legs.' 'More shelling. No more knocking.' Are you going to make me weep Marija F. Sullivan? '...your brown eyes painted with golden spots.' '...we learnt how to build things, not this.' Ach, he is going. '...I am the four-year old I once was.' He is writing. We write. But not like him. Ach ... I am an editor ... and he dropped a word, he dropped a word ... the dying man dropped a word ... And the irony of wanting to be a war corro and dreaming of doing a great job. But here? No.

Ch 3
Every reader brings emotion to a story, to a greater or lesser degree.
Here is mine.
Another city! I am ambivalent towards cities. They excite, but they are also made by men for men, and the misanthrope in me ... Ach! But I am travelling with you. So NY... let's see. Ach, a view from the tall building. But I get vertigo. I want to jump. As long as I can't all will be well. As to your question ... something in me wld want nothing to do with the dots. I wld neither move nor be moved by them, but wld remain removed from them. I enjoyed the crazy little insight into NY males, springing out on innocent tourists in the crazy 'can do' way. The best and the worst of the American way? But then he seemed innocent enough in his idiocy. But on other occasions his intrusion might have annoyed. And of course New York being New York, he probably risked being shot. I recall the Pulp song about common people and the line in it 'no one likes a tourist.' But we are all tourists one way or another. But cities, ach! Going to see any performance 101 times is insane! So ... I am reading. (more)

Ch 2.
Sarajevo and Singapore? Hmm. Odd at first glance. But an interesting pairing, one fractious and broken by war, the other efficient and prosperous. I have never been to either, but that is my impression of them. Sing seems a bit souless by all accounts, but efficient. I was puzzled that the story should pull so far away from the wounded statue, literally. But I suppose Sarjevo was a place to flee and life is far more unpredictable in its twists than any novel, so why not S >S. I then got into the romance. I like the '...frantic obervation of th elush plant-pots in the window.' (pot-plants better?) Hmm, a bit shifty? No matter. I loved the cannaries detail, far better than shells and sniper rounds. But what is this? 'All gone'? What kind of man is this? He saves his love and then deserts her? And what odd behaviour, crashing around at night...the plates and the ants... And then 'You see, that's why I didn't wake you up...' A very odd man. I liked the job interview, esp how the gentlemen became very serious on the subject of money, a far more important subject to them than Sarajevo (and the reason all the money is heading out of our pocket and their way). Ach, and now the man's been gone 11 days and I hate him! I didn't follow the Khalwat angle, but then I am a western bloke and... The shocking break up, worse, desertion, in a far off place is taken stoically, with a woman's strength. But what else was to be done? The is again wry wit in the fortune tellers and I can see the 'mouthful of rotten teeth.' And then you remind me of Sarajevo and how you have taken it with you. 'I suddenly felt very sleepy, the same feeling I had during the biggest bombardments of Sarajevo.' So I read on.

Criticism of ch 1. I didn't immediately follow the orphan issue. I liked the wounded statue at the start and the 1993 insight at the end, but the baby foxed me a little. I suppose many children were hurt in the war in different ways and children symbolise peace. But the 1993 graph was paydirt for me. I suppose I am interested in human conflict.

I've read to the end of Ch 1 now.
i thought this graph very significant .. 'By the spring of 1993 everyone had made their choice. etc etc.' Very strong and it appeals to my initial reason for reading a Sarajevo story I confess, for the conflict. A preceding graph, 'Everything was arranged, settled.' fits in with the 1993 graph on a personal, romancit level. I really like 'Is it brave when yo dodge sniper-fire out of boredom?' and the wryness of the preciding image of 'Hansel and Gretel, escaping from the witche's house.' The ref to a old European tale roots the Balken tragedy in the broader European folklore and context. It made me think of Europe as the witche's house. Never again, people said in 1945 and 1918, etc.

'Why did you kill them?'
'...waiting, with patient benevolence, for the end of my curiosity...'
'...the madness of shrapnel...'

You have my attention. I am there. I am seeing through your eyes and mind. I have a strange relationship with the Balkans, where i have never been. I see lots of stories about economics from the region and I am both puzzled by it and curious about it. I have a little map in a file to try and get some idea of the new patchwork. I was recently thinking of reading a book about the breakup of Yugoslavia, in part because I have never really been sure about the Blair desire to get on with intervention. Essentially I am ignornant about the region. i know about the faultline between the Ottoman Empire and old Europe of course and 1914 and that Tito was not Moscow's favourite and that he had a holiday home on an island. So I am curious about the region. I have just read THE TUZLA RUN on the site also, a cracking thriller about an aid convoy. Your opening lines make me want to learn more ... I will happily back you and read on... because you have won my curiosity.

I am so glad I took a look at this book. I was blown away by the pitch alone. And after reading the first chapter, all I can think of is reading more. I rarely give such exuberant praise, but it really caught my attention and kept pulling me in deeply. I look forward to reading more and familiarizing myself with your fantastic characters, each of whom are written so well. Good luck to you in this and every other work you write. You are a fantastic writer.

Backed without another thought.


Laura
"Jhevalia"

I am so glad I took a look at this book. I was blown away by the pitch alone. And after reading the first chapter, all I can think of is reading more. I rarely give such exuberant praise, but it really caught my attention and kept pulling me in deeply. I look forward to reading more and familiarizing myself with your fantastic characters, each of whom are written so well. Good luck to you in this and every other work you write. You are a fantastic writer.

Backed without another thought.


Laura
"Jhevalia"

Marija-

This is a very intriguing story of how bad things turn to be a good blessing in disguise. The plot is interesting and likeable in so many ways. I commend your clean and creative prose since the highlight is really spotlighted. Your characterization is very convincing to the way that you really make them interactive and realistic. I hope to see your work on the bookshelves in the bookstores. Good luck to your writing endeavours.

FLETCH

Thank you so much. Your comment made me think I should write some sort of introduction numbering the true events in this novel. Cheers, M

- Sarajevo Walls of Fate

This is a good story, because for many adults the conflict in and around Sarajevo is still remembered; that makes it different from, say, the Second World War which very few book-buyers today recall at first-hand. Also, it's stated that it is a true story, and these are al ways very interesting. Backed.

This is a good story, because for many adults the conflict in and around Sarajevo is still remembered; that makes it different from, say, the Second World War which very few book-buyers today recall at first-hand. Also, it's stated that it is a true story, and these are always very interesting. Backed.

Me again. Let me know if it doesn't register! :-)

jim

Another wonderful story Marija.Your talent for writing knows no bounds. Well done once again., I am happy to back you. Eunice - The Temple Dancer.

--I tend to jot down impressions as I read, may look a bit disjointed but it gives my first, and honest, impression)

Ouch, way to cut a woman's heart Mark.. What a yutz, I can't believe he did that too her. I imagine they had been through a lot together during the war, and now he up's and dumps here. What was the deal with the ants? My first thought was that he had a drug problem and was having some kind of flash back. I hope by little snake he wasn't talking about a baby. Hrm, raises more questions than it answers, good beginning. :)

I only read the first two chapters, but I'm a fan. I had to reread the first two lines a few times because it caught me so off guard...I love when that happens haha I hope you update more, after I finish the other two chapters you've posted, I'll want to read more. Good luck and happy writing :)

Great opening. I was briefly in Bosnia during the conflict and this is excellent. One nit to pick though. I don't see the need for a romantic thriller below the title.

Hi Marija,

This is much better than your other book in my opinion. Unfortunately, time prevents me from reading more than a sample but what I have seen looks to be well written and I was unable to find any errors. It's a good opening chapter which draws the reader in as it's meant to do. It's only time that's stopping me reading further, not lack of interest.

Ron

This was a magical read and I was hooked into the mystery. Most enjoyable and in places heart rending. Backed
Lara
Good for Him