And, the Winner of the Nobel Prize Is the Novel 'Na Drini Ćuprija,' Written by Ivo Andrić!
Source: Milos, OLS Community Manager
Yes, yes, it was in 1961 that the Serbian writer Ivo Andric received the Nobel Prize. And now, let me, as your guide through this historical tour, wish: Welcome to boarding the boat on the river Drina! Today we will devote time to a literary work, as well as to its incredible author. I hope you will enjoy it!
The novel unfolds against the historical backdrop of the Ottoman Empire's reign in the Balkans, providing a nuanced portrayal of life in the city of Visegrad during this transformative period. The Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge stands tall, not only as an architectural marvel but also as a testament to the dynamic interplay between cultures and civilizations that left an indelible mark on the Balkan landscape.
Fabula in this novel speaks about the construction of a bridge over the Drina River in Višegrad. The novel's plot spans nearly four centuries, with the main symbol of the narrative being precisely this bridge. In the book, the bridge represents eternity as opposed to human destiny or transience. Andric's narrative, akin to the winding course of the Drina River, skillfully meanders through different epochs, revealing the tapestry of lives woven into the fabric of time. The novel's non-linear structure, akin to the unpredictable flow of a river, imparts a sense of unpredictability, capturing the essence of historical events that unfold in unpredictable ways, shaping the destinies of those who inhabit the pages of the novel.
The characters populating the novel are a vibrant reflection of the diverse cultural mosaic that defines the Balkans. Andrić delves into the intricacies of coexistence, portraying the challenges faced by individuals from various ethnic backgrounds and religions. This exploration adds layers of richness to the narrative, highlighting both the complexities and the beauty inherent in multicultural societies striving to find harmony amidst diversity.
Themes of identity and belonging are seamlessly interwoven into the narrative, echoing the characters' quests for self-discovery and a sense of connection to the world around them. The Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge, beyond its physical presence, becomes a powerful metaphor for the character's journey towards understanding their place in a world undergoing profound transformations.
As we journey through the novel's pages, themes of endurance and the enduring impact of historical forces emerge, symbolized by the Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge. The bridge becomes a silent witness to the history, embodying the resilience of the people who have called the Balkans home throughout the centuries.
In conclusion, "Na Drini Ćuprija" invites us on an odyssey through time and culture, exploring the intricate tapestry of the Balkans during a pivotal historical period. The Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge, our guiding vessel, not only connects the physical landscape but serves as a metaphor for the enduring human spirit, reminding us that the echoes of the past shape our present and future. As we embark on this literary expedition, we don't merely read a novel; we immerse ourselves in a profound exploration of the human condition, resonating across time and space.
A couple of quotes from the novel, in Serbian and English:
SR: "Život je neshvatljivo čudo, jer se neprestnao troši i osipa, a ipak traje i stoji čvrsto, kao na Drini ćuprija"
EN: "Life is an incomprehensible miracle because it constantly wears away and crumbles, yet it endures and stands firm, like on the Drina Bridge"
...
SR: "Najbednija i najtragičnija od svih čovekovih slabosti nesumnjivo je njegova potpuna nesposobnost predviđanja, koja je u opštoj protivnosti sa tolikim njegovim darovima, veštinama i znanjima."
EN: "The most pitiful and tragic of all human weaknesses is undoubtedly his complete inability to foresee, which is in stark contrast to so many of his gifts, skills, and knowledge."
...
SR: "Izvesno ste i vi primetili kako čovek lako zaboravlja da kaže ono o čem ne voli da govori."
EN: "Surely, you have also noticed how easily a person forgets to speak about what he doesn't like to talk about."
...
SR: "Izgleda da je ovom sadašnjem naraštaju više stalo do njegovih shvatanja o životu nego do života samog."
EN: "It seems that to this present generation, its understanding of life matters more than life itself."
...
SR: "Svaki ljudski naraštaj ima svoju iluziju u odnosu prema civilizaciji; jedni veruju da učestvuju u njenom raspaljivanju, a drugi da su svedoci njenog gašenja. U stvari, ona uvek i plamsa i tinja i gasne, već prema tome sa kog mesta i pod kojim uglom je posmatramo."
EN: "Every human generation has its own illusion regarding civilization; some believe they are participating in its ignition, while others think they are witnesses to its extinguishing. In reality, it always both flares up and smolders and fades, depending on the place and angle from which we observe it."
This novel has been translated into many languages, and can often be bought outside of Serbia. Of course, in Serbia it can be bought in other languages, so you only need to want to read it.
Of course, Ivo Andrić has other works that are worthy of attention: Prokleta avlija, Znakovi pored puta, Travnička hronika, Gospođica, Ex Ponto, and many others.