I recently read The Impossible Country: A Journey Through the Last Days of Yugoslavia by Brian Hall, and I have to say, it left a strong impression.

Hall spent several months traveling through Yugoslavia in 1991, just as the country was about to cease to exist. He witnessed firsthand the early collapse, with Serbian ultranationalism playing a decisive role in its disintegration. His timing gave him a unique vantage point, and it shows in the depth of his observations.

Despite being only 31 at the time, Hall succeeds remarkably well in capturing the spirit and struggles of the people across the different republics. His knowledge of the local languages adds another layer of authenticity and insight to the narrative.

That said, I did notice a bit of Orientalism in his portrayal of Bosniaks (predominantly Bosnian Muslims) and Kosovo Albanians. Some descriptions came off as slightly patronizing and a bit more cynical when mentioning these ethnicities. Maybe I am just being a little biased. Still, that doesn’t overshadow the book’s overall value. It’s one of the better chronicles of the region I’ve come across.

If you’re even mildly interested in the western Balkans or the breakup of Yugoslavia, this travelogue is well worth your time.

Recommended.