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Zlata's Diary: The Bosnian War

750 Words3 Pages

“I hear the sound of shells, and everything around me smells of war. War is now my life.” (Filipovic, 1994, p.64). On April 6, 1992, the Bosnian War, which is in part attributed to racism, broke out, slaughtering 100,000 people and destroying the lives of Zlata along with an unnerving amount of virtuous Bosnian citizens. Zlata’s Diary is the personal diary of Zlata Filipovic, a wartime Bosnian child. In real-time throughout the literature, Zlata records the consequences of the war for her, personally; losing friends, security, normalcy, and her childhood. Necessities morph into commodities while markets accept only “fancy” foreign money. Moreover, paranoia, violence, and isolation induce mental illness. On the other hand, war administers Zlata with previously …show more content…

Yes, Zlata suffers through war, loses hope, and feels condemned, but after the darkness, there is an equal, if not brighter, shining light: a wonderful life. The base of her education is immaculate. With her background, nothing is impossible. Zlata’s Diary is a hit, selling more than 80,000 copies. The journals fly off the shelves, similar to the speed at which the Filipovic family migrates from Bosnia to France; without having to pay a single cent. Upon arriving in Paris, Zlata and her family bask in the glories of a normal, happy life: showers, heated water, lovely food, and freedom to travel. Zlata “went on to study at Trinity College and then Oxford University” (The Telegraph, n.d.). Finally, she is able to relish in quality, consistent education; no more abrupt cancellations and artificial schooling. War destroys Zlata’s home, freedom, and spirit, but provides positive benefits as well. Zlata breaks through her “life in a circle.” (Filipovic, 1994, p.182). Due to the conflict, Zlata gains a new appreciation for some luxuries of life; traveling, a lifelong platform, and a quality

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