The novel Everything Began on December 2 by author Nenad Bosnić was presented on November 3 at the Faculty of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy (AGGF) in Banja Luka, in an unconventional literary event combining literature, theater and dance into a unique artistic experience.
Instead of a traditional book presentation featuring readings and discussions, visitors experienced the atmosphere of the dystopian thriller through theatrical interpretations and dance performances, bringing the novel’s complex characters and underlying messages to life.
Young actors Mila Prosan, Ana Vukelić, Nikola Milaković and Branislav Aleksić performed monologues and dialogues inspired by the novel, introducing the audience to its storyline and characters.
A dystopian thriller exploring the meaning of freedom
Publisher and translator Boris Maksimović discussed the novel’s literary qualities, praising Bosnić’s ability to create a suspenseful and multilayered narrative.
“Writing a thriller is by no means easy. However, Nenad has succeeded in creating a story that makes you want to keep turning the pages. It features many well-developed characters, intriguing plotlines, social criticism, parallels with the world around us and other elements that make a high-quality novel in this genre,” Maksimović said.
The story takes place in an unnamed country and begins with the tragic death of a character whose identity remains unknown.
According to the author, this anonymity serves as the starting point for a universal exploration of human relationships, society and freedom.
“As becomes clear in the opening pages, that person’s identity is the least important thing. What matters is who he was to the people around him and how society reacts after his departure,” Bosnić explained.
“This begins a universal story that questions what freedom really means to each of us, what price we are truly willing to pay for it, and whether freedom can sing as those held captive once sang about it,” he added.
Dance performance brings the novel’s atmosphere to life
Members of the Gemma Dance Club added a distinctive artistic dimension to the presentation, concluding the evening with a choreographed performance.
Iva Krivokuća, Ana Jovišević, Sofija Pejaković and Aleksa Oljača, working with choreographer Teodora Radivojević, prepared a performance combining modern ballet and hip-hop.
Through movement, music and choreography, the dancers recreated elements of the novel’s atmosphere, demonstrating how literature can find new forms of expression through other artistic disciplines.
Book promotion raises BAM 570 for student scholarships
Beyond its artistic program, the event also had a charitable purpose.
All proceeds from book sales during the presentation, totaling BAM 570, were donated to the Vladimir Lukić Fund, which provides scholarships for outstanding students at the Faculty of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy.
The initiative connected literary creativity with practical support for education and young talent.
Bosnić’s second literary work available in Kultura bookstores
Everything Began on December 2 is Nenad Bosnić’s second literary work, following his book Three Worlds, published in 2022.
The new novel was independently published and is available at all Kultura bookstore locations.
The Banja Luka presentation demonstrated that a book launch can be much more than a literary discussion, bringing together different art forms, the creativity of young performers and support for higher education.
Source: See Srpska
