Love and Obstacles
Love and Obstacles by Aleksandar Hemon is a collection of stories published by Pan Macmillan in 2010, featuring 209 pages in English. The narratives are set against a backdrop that spans from the depths of Africa to Slovenia and Chicago, all while being influenced by the 1992 Bosnian war. The central character, Bogdan, is introduced as a teenager navigating his father’s diplomatic assignment in Zaire, where he encounters a morally ambiguous American espionage agent.
Readers will find a rich exploration of Bogdan’s life experiences, including his youth with a uniquely portrayed family, his aspirations to become a poet, and his unexpected journey in America. The stories blend elements of humor and black humor, while also addressing themes of pain and anonymity. Hemon’s writing captures the surreal nature of Bogdan’s memories, offering insights into the complexities of coming of age amidst historical turmoil.
Official synopsis Publisher
Set in the darkest heart of Africa, in the backwaters of Slovenia, in the melting pot of Chicago, this brilliant collection of stories is coloured throughout by the 1992 Bosnian war. All but one of them features Bogdan, first met as a surly teenager during his diplomat father’s assignment in Zaire, where he’s happily corrupted by a degenerate American espionage agent. In each successive story, Bogdan recalls the surreal and salient experiences of his life: his youth with his ironically depicted family; his early determination to be a poet, and his accidental sojourn in America. As ever, Hemon confronts pain and anonymity without blanching but also finds delicious absurdity in experience.
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