Thanksgiving may be the epitome of an American
holiday, a day that symbolizes all that is great
about our country - our families, our harvests, our
freedoms. As native-born Americans, many of us may
take for granted the life we have, the liberty we're
given, simply as citizens of this country. It is for
that reason that, this Thanksgiving, I decided to
read stories to my children about other lands, other
peoples, whose lifestyles may be very different than
our own, even though we may dream the same dreams.
Perhaps in reading such stories, our children will
find new and very real reasons for giving thanks
this year.
"Not too long ago, this was a
beautiful place." So starts the story of a very ugly
situation - the tragic war in Bosnia, and its
effects on one community, one family. Through the
eyes of a frightened young violinist named Alen, the
reader is told about the changes that took place in
Sarajevo as war invaded their quiet corner of
Bosnia. "Not too long ago, this was a safe place,"
the story continues. "Then a day came when the
grown-ups whispered about wars beginning in nearby
cities. With worried looks, they said, "It could
never happen here." "
Of course, war does hit Sarajevo,
and with it comes the fear, destruction, the changes
that touch every aspect of young Alen's life. He can
no longer go to school; he is forced to practice his
violin in the cellar each night. His parents work
long hours in the hospital, caring for the sick and
wounded, so Alen is forced to take over family
chores, including fetching the family's ration of
water for drinking and washing.
Alen's fear is so great that he
hates to go outdoors, but he must to get the water,
and it is on one of those journeys that Alen first
hears the music. A brave stranger - a cellist - sets
up a chair in the middle of a street and plays a
beautiful musical piece amongst the ruins. Each day,
for 22 days, the musician returns and plays the
music that, for a little while, makes people forget
the war as a bit of beauty returns to their lives.
Alen and his father strike up a conversation with
the musician and, over a humble dinner, learn his
story.
Although Alen and his family are
fictional characters, the musician is based on
modern-day hero Vedran Smailovic, whose music kept
the spirits of the people of Sarajevo alive during
the thousand-day siege of the city. Smailovic would
play his cello in the streets of Sarajevo in the
midst of continued shelling and sniper fire,
bringing notes of hope to the people living in pain
in his hometown.
Although this story could be
easily read by the 10-and-over set, it is probably
best read as a family. The story of the war may be
upsetting to some, and the beautiful paintings that
illustrate Alen's tale may be a bit abstract for the
younger children ("Why is Alen's face blue, Mommy?")
but with a bit of adult clarification, this story
becomes important and even enjoyable for the entire
family. And, although Smailovic did escape Sarajevo
and currently lives in Ireland (a brief biography is
included with the book), the story may make your
children think about the children who are left
behind in Bosnia, and maybe even say a prayer for
them while bowing their heads this Thanksgiving.
Reviewed By Mary Dixon Weidler
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