A tremendous volume; everybody should read it. “The Gardener” is one of the best stories I’ve ever read, but there are so many gems here — approachable, readable, witty, open, devastating. -- John Darnielle, The Mountain Goats
Miljenko Jergović’s landmark collection of stories, Sarajevo Marlboro, set during the siege of Sarajevo, provides a deeply personal perspective on the lives of ordinary people trapped in extraordinary circumstances. At the same time, it offers profound insight into the universality of wartime suffering.
A native of Sarajevo, Jergović worked as a journalist for the weekly newspaper Nedjeljna Dalmacija, reporting from the besieged city during the Bosnian War, where he also served as a television editor. He witnessed moments of love, loss, and hope that transcended the surrounding violence. Against the backdrop of a war-torn city, these stories capture the resilience of everyday life. Each tale is a gem, rich with vivid details and unforgettable characters who linger in the reader’s mind long after the final page. Sarajevo Marlboro earned Jergović international acclaim and several prestigious awards, including the Erich Maria Remarque Peace Prize and the Ksaver Šandor Gjalski Award.
Sarajevo Marlboro earned Jergović international recognition and prestigious awards, including the Erich Maria Remarque Peace Prize and the Ksaver Šandor Gjalski Award.
Like all great war books, Sarajevo Marlboro is not about war—it’s about life. Jergovic is an enormously talented storyteller, so the people under siege come through in all their poignant fullness. And one more thing: this book does not belong to the literature of complaining, much too common these days—Sarajevo Marlboro is a book for the people who appreciate life. — Aleksandar Hemon
Read this book: at Sarajevo many died and the twenty first century was born. These spare tales speak of all that may yet befall us if we forget our essential fragility; by showing that while what unites us is undeniable, what we allow to divide us too easily becomes murderous. This classic of anti-war writing is a warning about the immense human cost of following those who would have us hate others. Its US publication could not be more timely. — Richard Flanagan
“Poetic and moving . . . Of the many books written on Bosnia, this collection of stories is perhaps the best.”
—Slavenka Drakulić
“A remarkable collection . . . Grim, beautiful ruminations on how the familiarities of life can, in the instant a bomb drops, become unrecognizable . . . With a natural sense of stopping point and courage to spare, Jergovic has the mien of the rare author whose gift is so innate he need only conquer a few demons and steady his hands enough to write it all down.” —San Diego Union Tribune
Miljenko Jergović (born 1966, Sarajevo) is a renowned writer, journalist, and publicist, recognized as one of the most prominent authors of the post-Yugoslav era, with acclaim extending beyond his native language. His work focuses on themes of war-torn Sarajevo, the history and suffering of Bosnia, and the complex and painful portrayal of identity, culture, and historical events in the former Yugoslav region. His works have been widely translated, receiving numerous domestic and international literary awards, solidifying his reputation as a leading voice in contemporary literature. He lives and works in Zagreb, Croatia.
Publication of this audiobook was cofunded by the Ministry of Culture and Media of the Republic of Croatia.