The life story of a Serbian woman over a period of more than 70 years, preserved in memoirs, letters and mostly diaries, recounts the triumphs and tragedies of a life that takes place against the backdrop of extraordinary turbulence in the Balkans. It covers more than half a century, five wars (including the two world wars), and four ideologies.This is a time of excitement in Serbia as its leaders carve an independent state out of the Ottoman Empire and attempt to modernize a largely rural and “backward” corner of Europe. A time of opportunity for many who join in the effort to build the infrastructure of a modern economy, as well as the growing number of middle class families who send their children, in rare cases even girls, to the emerging system of state schools. Above all, a time of war, as the expanding Serbian state comes into conflict with its neighbors and, ultimately, the Great Powers of Europe.Accompanied by an introductory study, Natalija’s diary provides a rich background to understanding the on-going conflict in the Balkans today.
- Cover
- Title Page
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Maps
- Preface
- Introduction
- Part I. Years of Hope, 1880–1911
- Childhood
- Learning Motherhood
- Life and Politics in Small-Town Serbia
- The Family Moves South
- The Balkan Wars
- Part II. Years of War, 1914–1924
- The War Begins: July 1914 to October 1915
- Refugees: October 1915 to January 1916, Prokuplje
- Life Under Occupation: 1916
- Resistance: 1917
- Endings: 1918
- Beginnings: 1919
- Part III. Years of Disappointment, 1924–1956
- A New Country, A New Life: 1924–1927
- Europe in Decline: 1932–1939
- War Again: 1939–1945
- Twilight
- Appendix: Natalija Matić-Zrnić and Her Family
- Glossary
- Bibliography
- Map Credits
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