Zlata's Diary: a Child's Life in Sarajevo

Filipovic, Zlata

ISBN 10: 0670857246 / ISBN 13: 9780670857241

Published by Viking, New York, 1994

With in introduction biy Janine Di Giavanni. Translated with notes by Christina Pribochevich-Zoric, Originally publ in France as Le Journal de Zlata by Fixot editions Robert Laffont. Seller Inventory # 5934

Synopsis:

Zlata Filipovic was given a diary shortly before her 11th birthday and began to write in it regularly. The preoccupations of an ordinary, if unusually intelligent and articulate little girl, include whether or not to join the Madonna fan club, the fate of the super-models, her piano lessons, her tennis lessons, her friends and her new skis. But the distant murmur of war draws closer. Her father starts to wear military uniform and her friends begin to leave the city. One day school is closed, and the next the bombardments begin. The pathos and power of this diary come from watching the destruction of a childhood which could be that of anybody's child. Zlata writes about her fears, her desires, her pet cat, her mother's fear of a mouse in the wainscotting, her mother dodging the bullets to cross the bridge to work, and her father's frostbite and hernia from dragging water to them since there is no more water on tap. To Zlata the availability of electricity means that perhaps she can watch MTV - to that extent she remains a very ordinary little girl. But her circle of friends is increasingly replaced by international journalists who come to hear of this little girl's courage and resilience so that she becomes a frequent stop in their search for news stories. But the reality is that, as they fly off with the latest story of Zlata, she remains behind, writing her deepest feelings to "Mimmy", her diary and last remaining friend.

Review: The only bright thing to come from [Sarajevos] recent history. ("USA Today") Conveys the bewilderment and horror of modern-day conflict... One of Zlatas gifts lies in throwing a human light on intolerable events. ("San Francisco Chronicle")

The only bright thing to come from [Sarajevoas] recent history. ("USA Today") Conveys the bewilderment and horror of modern-day conflict... One of Zlataas gifts lies in throwing a human light on intolerable events. ("San Francisco Chronicle")

The only bright thing to come from [Sarajevo s] recent history. ("USA Today") Conveys the bewilderment and horror of modern-day conflict... One of Zlata s gifts lies in throwing a human light on intolerable events. ("San Francisco Chronicle")

The only bright thing to come from [Sarajevo?s] recent history. ("USA Today") Conveys the bewilderment and horror of modern-day conflict... One of Zlata's gifts lies in throwing a human light on intolerable events. ("San Francisco Chronicle")

Bibliographic Details

Title: Zlata's Diary: a Child's Life in Sarajevo
Publisher: Viking, New York
Publication Date: 1994
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: New
Dust Jacket Condition: New
Edition: First American Edition