March on the Drina (Saturday Review)

March on the Drina, a historical novel by Serbian author Ivo Andrić, is a masterpiece that delves into the complex history of the Balkans through the lens of a small town on the banks of the Drina River.

Published in 1945, the novel follows the lives of the inhabitants of the town of Višegrad in the years leading up to World War I. Through the intertwining stories of various characters, Andrić paints a vivid picture of the region’s tumultuous history, marked by centuries of conflict, conquest, and coexistence between different ethnic and religious groups.

The novel’s title, March on the Drina, refers to the military maneuver of the Ottoman Empire in 1806, when the town of Višegrad was seized by the Serbian insurgents. This event serves as a backdrop for the narrative, which explores themes of nationalism, identity, and the impact of historical events on individual lives.

Andrić’s writing is characterized by its rich and lyrical prose, as well as its deep understanding of human nature. The characters in the novel are vividly drawn, each with their own hopes, fears, and flaws. Through their stories, Andrić explores the complexities of human relationships, as well as the ways in which people are shaped by their cultural and political context.

March on the Drina is not just a historical novel; it is also a meditation on the nature of power, memory, and the enduring legacy of the past. Andrić’s portrayal of the town of Višegrad as a microcosm of the Balkans serves as a powerful reminder of the region’s rich and complex history, and the ways in which it continues to shape the present.

In conclusion, March on the Drina is a timeless work of literature that offers a profound and insightful exploration of the historical and cultural dynamics of the Balkans. Through its vivid characters and richly detailed setting, the novel brings to life a world that is as fascinating as it is complex. For anyone interested in the history of the region or simply in a beautifully written and thought-provoking novel, March on the Drina is a must-read.

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