The novel Red Roofs by Neda Bjelanović, which deals with the tragic fate of Sarajevo Serbs and their post-war exodus, was presented in Pale.
Bjelanović explained that, although the book contains elements of her personal memories, it is not strictly autobiographical but rather a prose mosaic of multiple experiences.
- “I was a child during the exodus, and part of what is in the book has an autobiographical basis, but many stories were shaped through the experiences of people close to me and those who went through those difficult times with us,” she said.
She added that she did not write the book with the intention of creating a historical record for younger generations, but considers such an interpretation a great recognition.
- “If Red Roofs helps younger generations understand the tragedy and suffering of the Serb people, I will be proud,” Bjelanović emphasized.
Željka Pandžić, professor at the Department of Serbian Studies at the Faculty of Philosophy in Pale, stated that this is the first novel in more than three decades to comprehensively address the exodus of Sarajevo Serbs.
She noted that, while not strictly autobiographical, many readers can recognize their own experiences in the narrative, adding that she approached the book both as a literary critic and as someone who personally lived through that period as a child.
According to her, the importance of the novel lies in its reminder of one of the most difficult chapters of recent history, which must not be forgotten.
Bjelanović was born in Sarajevo in 1984, completed her education in Višegrad, and earned her degree and doctorate at the University of Belgrade Faculty of Philology.
The promotion was organized by the City Administration of East Sarajevo and the Veterans Organization Pale, marking 30 years since the exodus of Sarajevo Serbs.
Source: RTRS
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