This book was grueling to get through. It is just so, so long. And as a travelogue it doesn't have a driving plot or a lot of character development. It is often descriptions of Serbian cities and Bosnian countryside. And lots and lots of history, often with mysterious sources and a lot of 1939 commentary. And yet it was often incredibly enjoyable to read. The writing was at times fantastic and the wealth of what I was learning was overwhelming. Would I read it again? Never. Am I glad I read it? Yes. Did I skim/skip some parts? Also yes.

I think the only way to the read this book is with a book club. It would definitely not have happened without some form of accountability and pressure to keep reading.