I can definitely see why The Cellist of Sarajevo got longlisted for the Scotiabank Giller Prize. Through a series of characters, the reader is shown various aspects of the seige of Sarajevo. The scariest part of this book? I was alive when this occured and I don’t remember ever hearing it in the news. I suppose I might have been too young, but it definitely pulled me back to reality regarding wars. I think reading it close to Remembrance Day was an appropriate way to reflect upon the things humans can do to each other. Definitely a core-shocker for me, but in a manageable way — I didn’t leave the book feeling like a horrible person, just reflective.

The Cellist of Sarajevo by Stephen Galloway tells the story of the seige of Sarajevo through the eyes of three individuals: a talented sniper who calls herself “Arrow” and kills the men in the hills, a man named Kenan who braves the streets to get water for his family, and Dragan, a man going to work at the bakery whose wife and son made it out of Sarajevo.

The reader is brought into the story in the midst of the seige; shells fall all over the city, but when one falls in the middle of a square while people are waiting in line for bread, 22 people are killed. A cellist saw this from the window of his flat, and has pledged to play in the middle of the square in honour of those who were killed: one day for every person. While no one knows the haunting song he plays, many, including our three main characters, are touched by it.

I don’t know how much more I can say about this novel and the beautiful writing, but to share a quote from the the early reviews:

“Steven Galloway’s The Cellist of Sarajevo is a wonderful story, a tribute to the human spirit in the face of insanity.” —Kevin Baker, author of Dreamland and Paradise Alley

Last week Amy (of My Friend Amy) emailed a bunch of us to find out if there was any interest in helping with a “Buy Books for the Holidays” campaign. People responded with enthusiasm! (How can’t you? Amy organized Book Blogger Appreciation Week!)

Anyway, I offered my web design services to this amazing cause, and the fruits of our labour is unveiled today! Visit us at www.buybooksfortheholidays.com!

The goal is to help put a bit of money back into the book publishing industry during one of the most commercial/retail-heavy times of the year. Also, we are constantly hearing about the industry suffering from lack of profits with the result of bookstores closing worldwide. The industry is changing, yes, but you get your money’s worth when you buy a book: entertainment, knowledge, and escape. There are definitely books for everyone from the most reluctant reader, to the most avid; books come in all shapes, sizes, and interests.

I am pledging to Buy Books for the Holidays this season. Will you?