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Title:	Goodbye Sarajevo
Authors:	Reid, Atka & Schofield, Hana
Genre:	Non Fiction: New Zealand
Pages:	339
Year:	2011
Language:	English
Description:	This is the story of a Bosnian family from Sarajevo. Written by sisters Atka Reid and Hana Schofield, it tells of the experiences of their family during the infamous siege. Hana was evacuated to Croatia as a refugee while Atka remained in the city to care for her other siblings. Eventually the family was successfully sponsored to come to New Zealand. More personal than political, it is a compelling account that depicts not only the horrors of the conflict but also the redeeming qualities of courage, determination and kindness that shine through these tragic events. NZ Interest Comments from Groups: We enjoyed the inside story on the convoluted and violent history of the years of the Balkan wars. We had an interesting follow-up via the internet of Atka and Hana's lives today. Their courage and resourcefulness were evident in the way they have made the opportunities offered them in NZ work to their full advantage. They are admirable women. Nelson 019 The whole group enjoyed this book, it made us appreciate our lives in NZ. Whiritoa Beach 001 It was enjoyed by all and discussed with empathy and admiration for such a family. Nelson 001 Enjoyed by all members-would recommend to other groups. Even liked by anti-nonfiction members. Discussion went well. Our most well liked book so far. Motueka 004 A fascinating account of the lives of this family, and Sarajevans. Horrific that such violence and tragedy was occuring in this modern city without real help from U.N. Detailed and matter of fact accounts from these two sisters. We consider this a very good read. Christchurch 203 Although this book was criticised for not being very literary and in need of editing, most of us enjoyed it for it being a family memoir. There is not as much explanation of the political situation and background, which some would have liked. Masterton 008
Categories:	Non-fiction NZ

Reviews

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By: AUCK 009		2023-05-25 11:39:21

We all thought this book very pertinent to the present as it gave us a greater understanding and appreciation of what Ukrainian citizens are experiencing right now. Most of our members enjoyed the book and we all felt we learnt a lot about a traumatic period in history we knew nothing about.

By: WHITBY 005		2021-10-24 19:49:51

General admiration for the resilience of Atka and Hana during the conflict, but mixed reactions to the book as a whole. Several members reported that they did not engage with the story. Others found it incredibly interesting and rated it highly.

By: LOWER 019		2018-06-18 19:20:14

We all enjoyed this book and found it an eye-opener to a period in history that we were all aware of, but did not know a great deal about. Very informative and generated a good discussion.

By: WHITBY 004		2018-02-16 13:46:16

9/10. The score says it all, and the fact that it was a true story of love, determination and calmness under extreme pressure, and an insight into war that we cannot comprehend. The NZ family who 'rescued' the whole family were amazing too, even with the difficulties to attend to. We are a diverse group but all rated it highly.

By: KATIK 001		2018-02-16 13:09:04

Everybody very much enjoyed the book. We all knew a bit about the war, but had only vague memories of bits and pieces from news reports, and we were glad to learn more about it. People commented on how amazing it is that people continue to exist in such circumstances of danger, and we also commented on the kindness of friends and neighbours who went to endless lengths to give whatever help they could. The two young women who contributed chapter by chapter were also remarkably strong characters , and we were impressed by their success in New Zealand after their arrival.

By: WHAKA 012		2018-02-16 11:54:00

Everyone absolutely loved this book - the NZ connection making it even more special. What amazing people! We all felt that the United Nations had a lot to answer for in this situation.

By: MOTUE 005		2018-02-16 11:48:23

A very good general discussion had about war and how it impacts ordinary lives. A few of us had looked online to watch a 6 minute interview with Atka and Hana, which we found revealing and interesting. Great book.

By: WHITBY 002		2018-02-16 11:45:46

An amazing story told simply without embellishment or apportioning blame. We had an interesting discussion on cultural, ethnic and religious divisions, and our own immigration policy. We all came away better informed. Highly recommended.

By: AUCK 105		2018-02-16 11:40:28

We felt this was a gripping and interesting read that provided a good insight into the conflict. It made us appreciative of the freedoms we enjoy. The close family relationships and support the family had for each other was heart warming, and we have nothing but admiration for Andrew's parents and the lengths they went to to help them find a new life in NZ. Our one criticism was with the style of writing, which we felt could have been improved with the contribution of a ghost writer.

By: BLENH 010		2018-02-16 11:30:13

Everyone loved the book and many considered it the best book of the year. We all considered it a very powerful book, and were struck by the resilience of all the main characters. It was a very detailed account of events in Sarajevo during the long siege, of which we had very little knowledge or memory.

By: UPHU 002		2018-02-16 11:27:02

This book was received by all our members with nothing but praise. It was very well written, and although an easy read, it was full of information and the characters were developed well. A great discussion followed.

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