Girl at War by Sara Novic

Girl at War; a novel by Sara Novic is a very moving story set primarily in the former Yugoslavia during its Civil War in the early 1990’s. Ana Juric is only 10 when the fighting begins. As a child, the ancient hatreds in that land are not readily apparent to her, but soon circumstances worsen and deprivation becomes more routine.  Death touches her family and the story eventually shifts to that of an older Ana, at college in New York.  A coming of age story, this novel contains emotional messages about self-identity, immigration and profoundly painful loss. Having been to Sarajevo and Zagreb, I could readily picture those cities, the countryside, and the memorable characters described by promising debut author Sara Novic. See, for example, the detailed observations available online in this short excerpt.

Girl at War deserved the starred review it received in Booklist and I am planning to add this title to our Junior Theme list.  There are so many connections which could be explored. Sadly, there are numerous books, particularly non-fiction choices, which focus on the impact that other wars have had on children including Kids of Kabul by Deborah Ellis which our sophomore students read or the newer - and somewhat more scholarly - Children of Afghanistan edited by Jennifer Heath and Ashraf Zahedi. In addition, students often select Ghosts of War by Ryan Smithson or Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah as independent reading choices about adolescents turned into soldiers. Also, Zlata’s Diary by Zlata Filipovic is set in Bosnia and Hercegovina during the 1990’s war and intended for a younger (grades 7 to 9) audience. 

In Girl at War, Ana challenges herself to read Black Lamb and Grey Falcon by Rebecca West; originally published in 1941, that opus (roughly 1200 pages) focuses on history and life in Yugoslavia in the 1930’s.  For a more upbeat book set in Croatia, try Running Away to Home: our family’s journey to Croatia in search of who we are, where we came from, and what really matters by Jennifer Wilson and published in 2011. This, too, focuses on family relationships and social values while providing a culturally rich and vivid description of Americans living abroad more recently. 

"War is hell, but war is also paradise" - The Ghosts of Wa by Ryan Smithsonr

Ghosts of War by Ryan Smithson is his experience in Iraq as a soldier of the U.S. Army.  His story made me laugh aloud in front of strangers, brought me to tears, even though I tried hard not to cry, and gave me  pause for reflection that I turned down corners on many more pages than I expected.

His writing is deeply personal - he says these are the words that save him.  At the same time, these words can save us - to remember, appreciate, and support.  He informs and explains, educates, and shares stories using various writing techniques throughout that carry the reader from chapter to chapter.      


What is most heartening about Smithson's story is that his missions deal with dump trucks, concrete, sand bags, and other construction equipment.  He is on the "front lines" with every mission to work on roads, water pipes, or other infrastructure.  His role is not what first comes to mind when one thinks of soldiers in Iraq; however, this work does make a difference to many adults and children of Iraq - one hole sealed, one water main repaired, one bottle of water at a time.   

I think this book will find a place on my desk and sit high in my repertoire of books to recommend and/or booktalk.  I hope that many readers can take something from Smithson's experience and insight to try to face our fears, have faith in humanity, and  realize the power of brotherhood.

To Smithson and all other military personnel on U.S. soil and abroad, thank you.