Genre = Novel, History
Elaborate Description
Great story about Kosovo after the war in 1999. The author, who is also the protagonist of the story, does a great job at explaining various perspectives and trying to make sense of them. Paula thought that life in Kosovo would be very difficult due to a huge reduction of living standards that she was used to, but to her surprise found life to be tolerable and enjoyable. Problems are relative, for in Kosovo, regular annoyances perceived as problems are not real problems. When news comes out about some war drama, both sides create what seems to be part true, part conspiracy to make their side seem like the victims of the tragedy. Historical roots are claimed by each side to support their own side in the struggle for who is right. Paula teaches English while she stays in Kosovo. Paula tests the students ability to forgive the other side and finds it difficult to ask questions that ask the students, who all have lost so much during the war, if there might be someone on the other side who is good. There is so much philosophy in this book about being tolerant to both sides. Education, as Paula mentions, can be a good thing or a bad thing as it depends on what is taught.
Book Details
Pages to read: 229
Publication: 2003
1st Edition: 2003
Format: Hardcover
Ratings out of 5:
Readability 5
Content 4
Overall 5
