Girl at War by Sara Nović

TL;DR

"A gripping debut novel, Girl at War paints a vivid picture of war-torn Croatia through the eyes of a young girl, Ana Juric."

Transcript

After my May of OK I’ve finally managed to kick off June with a great read. Girl at War is the debut novel by Sara Novic. It was published in May of 2015 and it would close out the year on a number of best of lists. It seemed the perfect book to kick my month of meh to the curb and it did exactly that. When the book opens we’re introduced to Ana Ju... Read More

Key Insights

• 👧 Girl at War is a powerful portrayal of war's impact on children and their resilience in the face of violence.
• 👶 The novel highlights the importance of storytelling during times of conflict, as children collect stories to outdo each other in gory details.
• 👻 Sara Novic's personal experiences as a deaf novelist bring a unique perspective to the writing process, allowing for a frank and direct narrative style.
• 📔 The book cover design beautifully captures the themes and emotions of the story, especially regarding Ana's relationship with the sky.
• 🔇 Joseph Boyden, the author of The Orenda, is known for his warm and gracious personality, as experienced by the speaker at an event.
• ✍️ Hosting an event where adults read their childhood writings showcased the joy and creativity of early writing endeavors.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does the war affect Ana's life in Zagreb?

The war brings refugees, checkpoints, and air raid sirens to Zagreb, forcing Ana and other children to confront the harsh realities of death and violence. Yet, they still find ways to incorporate war into their play.

Q: How does Ana's life change when her sister falls ill?

Ana's family leaves Zagreb and travels to Sarajevo for medical help, exposing Ana to a new level of violence and suffering. This shift marks a turning point in the story.

Q: How does the author's personal experiences as a deaf novelist influence the writing?

Sara Novic's deafness informs her writing process, allowing her to write anywhere without distractions. However, it also presents challenges, such as not being able to hear the audiobook version of her own novel.

Q: What is the significance of the book cover design in relation to the story?

The cover, designed by Dana Leigh Blanchette and Kelly Blair, features a skyward-looking image, reflecting Ana's fascination with the sky throughout the book. This image gains added significance as the story progresses.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Girl at War follows Ana Juric, a carefree young girl living in Zagreb, whose life drastically changes when war breaks out and her family seeks medical help in Sarajevo.

• The novel explores the impact of war on children, as they incorporate the violence and tragedy into their play.

• Written by Sara Novic, a deaf novelist who finds solace in the written word, Girl at War is a beautiful and emotionally resonant read.