Positives The book is praised for its foundation in extensive fieldwork and interviews, stemming from the author's doctoral research on the impact of generation on memory in Mostar, Bosnia. Reviewers highlight its detailed exploration of significant differences in personal and collective memories across generations - specifically the First Yugoslavs, Last Yugoslavs, and Post-Yugoslavs - concerning World War II, the socialist era, the 1992-1995 war, and the postwar period. It is noted as being highly informative and of interest to social scientists, yet also accessible and straightforward for non-specialist readers, managing to offer a close to neutral account despite the sensitive nature of its subject matter.
Negatives A key criticism mentioned is that the text can be repetitive.
Conclusion Overall, the book provides a deeply researched and informative study into the complexities of memory and identity within a specific region and its historical context. Despite some repetitiveness, it successfully navigates a sensitive topic with an impressive degree of neutrality, making it a valuable resource. This book would particularly appeal to readers interested in social science, history, memory studies, or the former Yugoslavia, offering insights for both academic specialists and general readers seeking a nuanced understanding of the region's past and its lasting effects on different generations.
