Sarajevo Marlboro
Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sarajevo Marlboro

by Miljenko Jergović

War & Conflict Historical Fiction Short Stories 1994

Summary

Sarajevo Marlboro is a collection of short stories set during the Bosnian War, portraying the lives of ordinary people caught in the siege of Sarajevo. Rather than focusing on battles or political leaders, Miljenko Jergović turns his attention to the everyday experiences of civilians as familiar routines collapse under the pressure of violence, fear, and uncertainty.

Through intimate portraits of neighbours, families, friends, and strangers, the stories reveal how war transforms relationships, reshapes identities, and exposes both the cruelty and compassion of human nature. Small, seemingly insignificant details—a household object, a remembered conversation, or a fleeting act of kindness—become powerful symbols of a world that is disappearing. Written with restraint, dark humour, and deep humanity, the collection offers a fragmented yet deeply personal portrait of Sarajevo and the lasting emotional consequences of conflict.

Reviews

Login to leave a review.

No reviews yet. Be the first!

You might also like

Kin
Kin
Miljenko Jergović
Say Fire
Say Fire
Selma Asotić
Inshallah, Madonna, Inshallah
Inshallah, Madonna, Inshallah
Miljenko Jergović
Catch the Rabbit
Catch the Rabbit
Lana Bastašić
Country
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Europe
About the author
Miljenko Jergović
Miljenko Jergović

Miljenko Jergović is a Bosnian-Croatian novelist, poet, and journalist known for his powerful explorations of memory, war, identity, and the complexities of life in the former Yugoslavia. Born in Sarajevo in 1966, he grew up in a multicultural environment shaped by the region’s diverse ethnic and religious traditions. His writing often examines how political upheaval, nationalism, and historical violence affect ordinary people and fracture families and communities. His acclaimed works include Sarajevo Marlboro (1994), a collection of short stories depicting everyday life during the Bosnian War, and The Walnut Mansion (2003), a multigenerational family saga set against the backdrop of twentieth-century Balkan history. Combining lyrical prose, dark humor, and psychological insight, Jergović explores the fragility of belonging and the ways personal memories intersect with collective history. His work has established him as one of the most prominent literary voices of the post-Yugoslav region.

View author page
Details
Published
1994
Author
Miljenko Jergović