This is the story of thirteen-year-old Adnan. In the whirlwind of war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, he witnessed the brutal murder of his parents and sister, and he himself was seriously wounded by a firearm. This moment marks the beginning of his struggle for survival. Completely alone, with the last atoms of his strength, he manages to hide in a house damaged by arson, hoping to escape the battles that are still raging, to survive and finally be rescued. But even in hiding, his martyrdom continues.
"A psychological masterpiece of historical significance - the tragedy of a small Bosnian village in the 20th century. A shocking example of how ethnically diverse groups that lived together for generations and accepted other people's religion, customs and habits were drawn into the abyss of humanity. The boy, who was himself seriously injured, witnessed the murder of his family. Only his indestructible will enabled him to survive these eight days."
Thomas Müller, criminal psychologist and former head of the Criminal Psychology Service of the Austrian Ministry of the Interior
“A must-read for anyone who wants to grapple with the madness of war crimes.”
Manfred Nowak, University Professor of Human Rights (Vienna) and Secretary General of the Global Campus for Human Rights (Venice)
Translated from German by Amela Sejmenović