As If Not There
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As If Not There Average ratng: 4,6/5 38 reviews
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- As If I Am Not There is a story of a young school teacher from Sarajevo, Samira, whose life is shattered the day a Serbian soldier walks into her apartment and orders her to pack her things. Shortly after the onset of the Bosnian War, her village is invaded by the Serbian army: the men are executed, and the women are rounded up and cast into servitude.
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Set during the Balkan war of the 1990s, As If I Am Not There is based on true events and tells the story of Samira (Natasha Petrovic), a young woman from Sarajevo whose life is shattered the day a soldier walks into her apartment and tells her to pack her things. 14 hours ago 'And there are some patterns to what has gone on. One of them is that the Chinese prefer to make a last-minute deal, to get the best deal they can. So I am not among those who think there is going.
As If I'm Not There
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'While she was in the warehouse S. feared uncertainty. Any kind of certainty seemed preferable to her. Now she was at least rid of that fear. There was no more uncertainty. She was in a storehouse of women, in a room where female bodies were stored for the use of men.'The use of rape as a mode of warfare was one of the atrocities that made 'ethnic cleansing' such a horrif
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Rating details
Mar 30, 2019Steven Godin rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Croatian journalist, novelist, and essayist Slavenka Drakulić has written a terrifyingly fierce and painful novel of a country's lost identity, told through the suffering of a nameless group of female inmates in a camp and their difficult attempts to rebuild their lives after liberation. All the characters are simply known by a single initial, with the main focal point being a woman called S. She has just given birth in a Stockholm hospital to a child she wants nothing to do with after being rep..more
Sep 01, 2016Lisa rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
This was the first Drakulic I read, and at the time, I felt incapable of writing a review, although I consider it both very well written as a novel and immensely important as a historical reflection on the routine of rape during wars.
There was a double reason why I could not put into words what I thought. First of all, I struggled with the closeness of the atrocious events: both in a geographical and historical sense. This book took me to a war in Europe during my own lifetime, my teenage years..more
There was a double reason why I could not put into words what I thought. First of all, I struggled with the closeness of the atrocious events: both in a geographical and historical sense. This book took me to a war in Europe during my own lifetime, my teenage years..more
Aug 16, 2012Emily May rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
When your country is at war with another, or perhaps many others, you are aware of the risk to human life. You know soldiers will die, you know that some of these may be people you know or even your loved ones. But, though the civilians at home worry about those who are away fighting for their country, they rarely see themselves as part of the war. The threat to them seems far away, almost unreal. So when the occupying forces marched into the Bosnian village where S. lived, her immediate reactio..more
Apr 30, 2010K.D. Absolutely rated it really liked it · review of another editionRecommended to K.D. by: 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die (2006-2010)
Slavenka Drakulic (born 1949) is a Croatian novelist, sociologist and a journalist who writes mainly on women issues. This is my opening sentence because when I picked up this book, I asked myself: Drakulic, who? and thought that this was a horror book. Hmmm. Drakulic=Dracula. Bosnia=Yugoslavia=Transylvania. Enough, K.D. Stop. Must be the Halloween spirit. This is a serious book.
Very much, indeed. S: A Novel About Balkans a.k.a. As If I Am Not There is about rape, torture, and sexual slavery o..more
Very much, indeed. S: A Novel About Balkans a.k.a. As If I Am Not There is about rape, torture, and sexual slavery o..more
Apr 13, 2010Steve Kettmann rated it really liked it · review of another edition
My original review (2000) in the San Francisco Chronicle
S. A Novel of the Balkans By Slavenka Drakulic Viking; 216 pages; $22.95
Croatian writer Slavenka Drakulic has given the world a gift, digging into the twisted reality of the war that splintered the former Yugoslavia and emerging with ``S.,' a searing story about a woman held in a Bosnian concentration camp. It is a haunting, difficult novel that is also somehow redemptive.
In the past, Drakulic has demonstrated in essays such as ``Cafe Euro..more
S. A Novel of the Balkans By Slavenka Drakulic Viking; 216 pages; $22.95
Croatian writer Slavenka Drakulic has given the world a gift, digging into the twisted reality of the war that splintered the former Yugoslavia and emerging with ``S.,' a searing story about a woman held in a Bosnian concentration camp. It is a haunting, difficult novel that is also somehow redemptive.
In the past, Drakulic has demonstrated in essays such as ``Cafe Euro..more
Jun 19, 2017Nataliya rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
'Perhaps that happens to people in wartime, words suddenly become superfluous because they can no longer express reality. Reality escapes the words we know, and we simply lack new words to encapsulate this new experience.'
'Only now does S. understand that a woman's body never really belongs to the woman. It belongs to others—to the man, the children, the family. And in wartime to soldiers.'
'Now, however, she sees that for her war began the moment others started dividing and labelling her, when n..more
'Only now does S. understand that a woman's body never really belongs to the woman. It belongs to others—to the man, the children, the family. And in wartime to soldiers.'
'Now, however, she sees that for her war began the moment others started dividing and labelling her, when n..more
Mar 31, 2008Dan rated it really liked it · review of another edition
this novel concerns the systematized rape and torture of civilian bosnian women during the conflicts in the balkans during the early nineties. it's deeply troubling stuff-- almost a psychosexual counterpart to a day in the life of ivan denisovich. which begs the inevitable question-- why am i reading this? certainly there's an impulse to somehow 'bear witness' (however wishy-washy), and drakulic does a great job of emphasizing the necessity that such events be remembered (as well as, ironically,..more
Jan 17, 2010Ruby Hollyberry rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.
Jun 30, 2012Ian rated it really liked it · review of another edition Shelves: war, a-to-z-2014, historical-fiction, a-kindle
This a great book but a really difficult one to read. It is set during the 1990's Bosnian war and is about the systematic rape and killing of Bosnian Muslim women by Serbian soldiers both in their towns and villages but later in the concentration camps. It is a story told by a woman only identified by the initial S. - the sad truth being that the women will never identify the rapists, for fear that they will be victimised even further after returning to the Muslim community.
Feb 22, 2018Ron Wroblewski rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
This is a terrible yet realistic book about the way woman are used (misused) during war. It is very sad that things like this happen and the men who treat women like things to be used should be used on the gallows.
Oct 25, 2015Bogdan rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
I always thought that war atrocities are something from the distant past, when there was no human rights neither Geneva convention. Usually I imagine them to be part of wars from the Dark Ages, or even more distant, like Antiquity or Stone Age. But I always forget how relatively recent were World Wars (a meager 70 years), or the Bosnian War or even more recently, the War from Eastern Ukraine, about which if I will hear similar atrocities I would not be surprised.
This is just what this novel and..more
This is just what this novel and..more
Apr 27, 2019As If I Was Not There
Amalie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition Shelves: feminism-feminist-undertones, war-and-its-results
This book provides insight into the physical and psychological horrors Croatian women faced during the Bosnian War in the early 1990's.
The author never gives the names of the women depicted in the book. Instead, she chooses to identify them only by an initial. The protagonist identified as 'S' is not necessarily a real person, she appears to composite the true experiences of many women. Therefore, the few stories in this book give voice to around 50,000 Croatian women who were raped and torture..more
Feb 25, 2019Kayleigh rated it really liked itThe author never gives the names of the women depicted in the book. Instead, she chooses to identify them only by an initial. The protagonist identified as 'S' is not necessarily a real person, she appears to composite the true experiences of many women. Therefore, the few stories in this book give voice to around 50,000 Croatian women who were raped and torture..more
As If I Am Not There
· review of another edition Shelves: for-high-school, standalones, historical-fiction
4.5 stars.
Read in October of 2014, not going to review. I'm just adding books to my read shelf that never made it there when I originally read them (thanks, child Kayleigh, for deciding to keep a list of all the books you've read, their dates, and their rating since early 2007).
Feb 17, 2014Shaun rated it it was amazing · review of another editionRead in October of 2014, not going to review. I'm just adding books to my read shelf that never made it there when I originally read them (thanks, child Kayleigh, for deciding to keep a list of all the books you've read, their dates, and their rating since early 2007).
Shelves: 1001-books-to-read-before-dying, favorites
'S.,' also know as 'As If I Am Not There' -- a harrowing, haunting novel set in Bosnia in the years 1992 and 1993 -- is about the systemic rape and humiliation of a schoolteacher of mixed Serbian and Bosnian heredity. When Serbian forces enter her village, S. spends months in an all female compound of a Serbian concentration camp where she is subjected to continual sexual violence and beatings. The novel culminates with her arrival in Scandinavia as a refugee -- pregnant, homeless, and ambivalen..more
Apr 26, 2011Kelly rated it liked it · review of another edition
Postmodern non-linear narratives are hard to read. You never know 'when' you are. I love this in movies because visual cues always show me where I am. Non linear narratives mess up the story in compelling ways and show how our past and future often collide in our present. And yet, I always have trouble reading out of time. I miss the cues that are obvious to other readers. S. is a non-linear novel in the beginning and I certainly had trouble keeping in time.
S.reveals the tragedy of war on women..more
S.reveals the tragedy of war on women..more
Jan 22, 2019Rob rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Perhaps the most devastating thing about the 1990s war in Bosnia was that it took place while elsewhere, we were cheering on USA 94, listening to Suede and Blur, watching Supermarket Sweep and debating the Maastricht Treaty ad nauseam. Meanwhile, genocide and rape were taking place on our virtual doorstep.
This volume takes the character of 'S' and charts her progress from Serb internment camp to Croatian refugee camp to Swedish exile, painting a vivid portrait of everyday horror, the vast ma..more
This volume takes the character of 'S' and charts her progress from Serb internment camp to Croatian refugee camp to Swedish exile, painting a vivid portrait of everyday horror, the vast ma..more
Jul 21, 2009Thurston Hunger rated it liked it · review of another edition
A horrifying book, horrifying that is in terms of its topic/setting. The writing is hard to judge, for the simple reason that atrocities get stacked up so rapidly that I had to simply stop reading at times. The words disappear, but their story does not. Actually if anything the writing and the self-assessment of the lead character are as brutally plain, as the treatment of her in Bosnian camp is plainly brutal.
At each chapter, I would look at the time stamp as part of the title and could not hel..more
Apr 19, 2014J. rated it it was amazing · review of another editionAt each chapter, I would look at the time stamp as part of the title and could not hel..more
Shelves: novels, memorable-unique-strange, social-studies, life-changing, favorites
I saw the Irish Produced film first, which is how I found out about the novel. The film was very similar, but the novel, of course, was better. The writing is effortless, and one has to read this in one sitting. The events seem absolutely inconceivable, but I suppose that is how all of these kinds of conflicts start. With a sense of disbelief. One of the best first hand account type works I have ever read. Even though it is fiction, it is clear that the author is very familiar with the subject m..more
Feb 08, 2017Erik Graff rated it really liked it · review of another editionRecommended to Erik by: Anna-Kristina Graff
This book was given to me as a Christmas present by my niece, Norwegian on her father's, Bosnian Serb on her mother's side. Based on interviews, it is a novelized account of one young Bosnian woman's life from the time of her capture by the Serbs, through her imprisonment to her resettlement as a refugee in Sweden--a period of just about one year. While imprisoned, the protagonist, 'S' in the novel, is, along with other young women and girls, repeatedly and often violently raped, her story begin..more
Jan 05, 2018Olivia Camp rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
'Their murderers need to forget, but their victims must not let them.'
What a powerful story. Never have I read something so horrific yet beautiful, with an emotional depth so unimaginable. I found myself constantly shocked as I continuously remembered the truth and nearness of its events. This novel will wreck you and leave you feeling utterly empty of all emotion over what thousands of women went through during the Bosnian war. Never have I ever felt such despair and connection over a story. I..more
Mar 17, 2012Deanne rated it really liked it · review of another editionWhat a powerful story. Never have I read something so horrific yet beautiful, with an emotional depth so unimaginable. I found myself constantly shocked as I continuously remembered the truth and nearness of its events. This novel will wreck you and leave you feeling utterly empty of all emotion over what thousands of women went through during the Bosnian war. Never have I ever felt such despair and connection over a story. I..more
Shelves: 1001-books-2008, 1001bookstoreadbeforeyoudie, war
Most books dealing with war seem to focus on life in the frontline, As if i am not there deals with what was happening to civillians in Bosnia and in particular to the muslims.
The characters are referred to by letters, which makes them seem to stand for more than just any individual. People deal with what is happening to them in different ways, by pretending it's not them, or trying to seem invisible. It's harrowing and difficult to read, but it's also a book which ends with a glimmmer of hope.
The characters are referred to by letters, which makes them seem to stand for more than just any individual. People deal with what is happening to them in different ways, by pretending it's not them, or trying to seem invisible. It's harrowing and difficult to read, but it's also a book which ends with a glimmmer of hope.
Jul 29, 2009Erma Odrach rated it really liked it · review of another edition
S. is about a Bosnian woman who finds herself in a prison during the Bosnian war of the early 1990's. She is repeatedly raped, dehumanized and starved. Drakulic paints a horrific picture and with great detail. It is a book not just about the suffering of female prisoners but also of how war can turn some men into animals. A very upsetting read, but necessary. Although this is a novel, I felt it would have faired much better in the non-fiction category.
Nov 07, 2009Chanell rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Terrifying yet enthralling! Amazingly well written account of war, torture, and rape in the Bosnian war. I remember studying this war in my history class sophomore year. As a sophomore I felt so detacted from the realities and emotional/physical accounts of war. As an American, I am still detacted. But this novel (for a moment) placed me at the forefront. I agree with my friend Alessandra - as a citizen of the world, you must read this book.
Apr 13, 2009Julie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
A dark, uncomfortable novel about a Bosnian Muslim woman taken to a camp where she is repeatedly raped by Serb soldiers. She becomes pregnant in the camps and must decide what to do with the child when she finally gives birth as a refugee in Sweden. As upsetting as it is to read, it is an important novel that gives insight into the mentality of people during times of war.
Sep 19, 2010Wendi rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Truly haunting. The ugly picture of war. Painful to read at times. It was not a comfort remembering this book was fiction, as it came about from numerous interviews of women who lived through the Balkan experience-so somewhere it all could have happened or did happen or even worse.
Mar 01, 2015Sara Salem rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
One of the more painful books I've read..on the sexualized and gendered violence during the Balkan War.
Aug 28, 2015Chris Morse rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Definitely a difficult read as far as content. But overall a very interesting book with a lot of symbolism expressed throughout the book
Jan 09, 2018Rob Withers rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Devastating yet compelling. This one is definitely going back on my re-read list.
Sep 10, 2012Sonja rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
this book is devastating.
Mar 13, 2019Pip rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
This is a beautifully written account of the atrocities of the Croatian War of Independence and the experiences of a young schoolteacher caught up in the vicious fighting. The depiction of rape, executions and general humiliation of Moslem civilians is harrowing but unforgettable. The senselessness of war, the unspeakable cruelty of one ethnic group to another and the survival mechanisms of sex slaves are depicted unflinchingly. It is an important book which undoubtedly belongs on the 1001 list..more
| topics | posts | views | last activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading 1001:As If I Am Not There (AKA S.) by Slavenka Drakulić | 1 | 9 | Mar 31, 2019 10:09AM |
| Reading 1001:As If I am Not There - Slavenka Drakulić | 14 | 15 | Mar 31, 2019 07:33AM |
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Slavenka Drakulić (1949) is a noted Croatian writer and publicist, whose books have been translated into many languages.
In her fiction Drakulić has touched on a variety of topics, such as dealing with illness and fear of death in Holograms of fear; the destructive power of sexual desire in Marble skin; an unconventional relationship in The taste of a man; cruelty of war and rape victims in S. A N..more
In her fiction Drakulić has touched on a variety of topics, such as dealing with illness and fear of death in Holograms of fear; the destructive power of sexual desire in Marble skin; an unconventional relationship in The taste of a man; cruelty of war and rape victims in S. A N..more
“She wonders what else she will have to give up and what is the minimum of things with which one can survive without losing the feeling that one is human?” — 12 likes
“With a practised hand he pulls out a knife and presses it against her throat. Hurry up, he hisses through clenched teeth, hurry up! At that same instant she is again struck by their inability to express themselves in normal sentences; they use only monosyllabic words, as if they have forgotten how to speak. And perhaps they have. Perhaps that happens to people in wartime, words suddenly become superfluous because they can no longer express reality. Reality escapes the words we know, and we simply lack new words to encapsulate this new experience.” — 3 likes
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