Meša Selimović
Meša Selimović was a renowned Bosnian writer, best known for his novels 'Death and the Dervish' and 'The Fortress'. His works often explore themes of existentialism, identity, and the human condition.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Death and the Dervish
In "Death and the Dervish", the protagonist is a dervish in the 18th century Ottoman Empire, who embarks on a mission to find his imprisoned brother. As he navigates through the complex and corrupt bureaucracy, he grapples with questions of morality, justice, and the nature of power. The story explores themes of existentialism and the struggle for meaning in a world marked by suffering and injustice.
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2. La Fortaleza
The novel explores the psychological and existential struggles of its protagonist, Ahmet Shabo, set against the backdrop of Ottoman-ruled Bosnia. After returning from a war that has left him deeply scarred, Ahmet grapples with the oppressive societal structures and his own internal conflicts. The narrative delves into themes of alienation, the search for meaning, and the impact of historical and cultural forces on individual identity. Through Ahmet's introspective journey, the story examines the tension between personal desires and the constraints imposed by external circumstances.
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3. Ostrvo
Set against the backdrop of a remote island, the narrative delves into the complexities of human relationships and the existential struggles of its inhabitants. The story intricately weaves themes of isolation, identity, and the search for meaning, as characters confront their inner demons and the harsh realities of their environment. Through introspective dialogues and vivid descriptions, the novel explores the delicate balance between freedom and confinement, ultimately painting a poignant picture of the human condition.
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4. Tvrđava
Set in the aftermath of the Ottoman Empire's decline, this novel delves into the life of a young man grappling with the complexities of existence in a war-torn society. Through his introspective journey, he confronts themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning amidst chaos. The narrative explores the protagonist's internal struggles and his interactions with a diverse cast of characters, each representing different facets of human nature and societal norms. As he navigates the challenges of his environment, the story unfolds as a poignant reflection on the human condition and the quest for personal redemption.
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5. The Fortress
Set in the aftermath of the Ottoman Empire's decline, this poignant narrative follows Ahmet Šabo, a disillusioned soldier returning to Sarajevo after the war. Haunted by the horrors of battle and grappling with the oppressive societal norms, Ahmet embarks on a journey of self-discovery and redemption. As he navigates the complexities of love, faith, and identity, he confronts the metaphorical fortress of his own making, seeking solace and meaning in a world rife with uncertainty and change. Through introspective prose, the story delves into the human condition, exploring themes of existentialism and the quest for personal freedom.
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