Le journal de Zlata

More about the book

In a voice both innocent and wise, Zlata Filipovic's diary has awakened the world's conscience. At thirteen, she began her diary just before her eleventh birthday, when Sarajevo was peaceful and her life was that of a carefree young girl. Her early entries describe friends, family, school, and her interest in joining the Madonna Fan Club. However, everything changes when she sees bombs falling on Dubrovnik. Initially unable to imagine such violence in her own city, Zlata's tone shifts dramatically when the conflict reaches Sarajevo. She begins an entry to "Dear Mimmy," her deceased goldfish, with stark words: "SLAUGHTERHOUSE! MASSACRE! HORROR! CRIMES! BLOOD! SCREAMS! DESPAIR!" Her world becomes increasingly confined to her family's apartment, where she spends nights in a neighbor's cellar as shells rain down. With no school, limited water and electricity, and food shortages, the war invades her life, destroying her childhood and affecting her family deeply. Zlata expresses that "War has nothing to do with humanity" and contemplates suicide. Yet, with remarkable courage and clarity, she clings to her former life, studying piano, reading, and celebrating special occasions, documenting it all in her extraordinary diary.