If you are learning Serbian and want to fully immerse yourself in the language and culture, literature is a fantastic way to do it. Reading books in Serbian can help you expand your vocabulary, understand grammatical structures in context, and get a feel for the rhythm and flow of the language. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, there are certain books that stand out as must-reads. Additionally, in our courses at the Academic Knowledge Centre, we work on adaptations of Serbian literature tailored to our literary workshops. So, let’s get acquainted with some of the most famous Serbian writers whose works you must read!
Ivo Andrić – “The Bridge on the Drina”
Ivo Andrić is one of the most celebrated authors in Serbian literature, and the novel “The Bridge on the Drina” is his most famous work. This novel, which earned Andrić the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1961, spans over four centuries and tells the story of a bridge in the town of Višegrad. The bridge serves as a silent witness to various political, social, and cultural changes that occur in the region. Reading this book will not only improve your Serbian but also give you a deep understanding of the historical complexities of the Balkans. The language used in the novel is rich and descriptive, making it an excellent resource for expanding your vocabulary.
Meša Selimović – “Death and the Dervish”
Meša Selimović is another key writer in Serbian literature. His novel “Death and the Dervish” explores themes of existentialism, faith, and the human condition through the eyes of a dervish named Ahmed Nurudin. The story is set in the 18th century and follows the protagonist’s psychological struggles as he deals with his brother’s imprisonment by the Ottoman authorities. The language in “Death and the Dervish” is both poetic and philosophical, offering readers a chance to engage with more abstract and complex Serbian vocabulary. It is a challenging read, but one that will deepen your appreciation for Serbian literature and thought.
Danilo Kiš – “A Tomb for Boris Davidovich”
Danilo Kiš is a master of the short story, and “A Tomb for Boris Davidovich” is a collection of interconnected stories that explore the dark side of 20th-century political ideologies. The book delves into the lives of various characters who become entangled in the machinery of totalitarian regimes. Kiš grew up in difficult circumstances, with a father who suffered from acute mental illness and survived a Nazi massacre before eventually dying in Auschwitz. His experiences deeply influenced his work, but do not let this dissuade you – Kiš’s works are incredibly engaging and deeply thought-provoking.
Srđan Valjarević – “Komo”
This novel is harsh, ironic, and direct, and possesses all the qualities of contemporary Serbian prose and modern linguistic discourse. “Komo” tells an interesting story of a writer who receives a literary scholarship and travels to “Villa Maranese” on Lake Como. This story turns into a tale of exile, lost generations, desires, and possibilities at the end of the 20th century. The novel is ideal for learning contemporary Serbian language and culture, as it is filled with everyday expressions and current life situations.
Branislav Nušić – “The Cabinet Minister’s Wife”
For a lighter and more humorous read, turn to Branislav Nušić and his satirical comedy “The Cabinet Minister’s Wife.” This play offers a comedic look at the lives of the newly rich and powerful in early 20th-century Serbia. The protagonist, Živka, becomes the wife of a minister. Her ambitions and pretensions lead to a series of hilarious situations. The dialogues in the play are witty and full of colloquial expressions, making it a fun way to pick up everyday Serbian phrases and idioms. Nušić’s keen observations on human nature and society are still relevant today.
Milorad Pavić – “Dictionary of the Khazars”
Milorad Pavić is an author known for his innovative works, and “Dictionary of the Khazars” is a unique piece that defies traditional narrative structures. The book is presented as a dictionary of the Khazar people, a mysterious and now extinct group. There are three versions of the novel – male, female, and androgynous – with slight differences between them. This novel is a fascinating exploration of history, mythology, and language. Its unconventional format makes it challenging, but also very rewarding to read as it introduces the cultural heritage of the Balkans through different entries in the dictionary. The rich descriptive language and complex wordplay will significantly improve your Serbian vocabulary and comprehension skills.
Borislav Pekić – “Rabies”
Borislav Pekić was a political activist and writer whose works often reflected his experiences and ideas formed during his fifteen years in prison for belonging to a secret organization in communist Yugoslavia. His novel “Rabies” is a genre thriller and horror story focused on an epidemic of a synthetic mutant rabies virus that affects London’s Heathrow Airport. This book addresses deeper themes such as espionage, betrayal, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, all wrapped in the guise of a zombie apocalypse long before famous TV shows like The Walking Dead. Pekić’s works are widely translated and acclaimed, and “Rabies” is one of his most famous works.
Dobrica Ćosić – “A Time of Death”
Dobrica Ćosić is often referred to as the “father of the nation” in Serbia, and his novel “A Time of Death” is a monumental work that encompasses the essence of the Serbian experience during World War I. This novel is part of a tetralogy that explores the impact of the war on Serbian society and the individual’s struggle for survival and meaning. The language in “A Time of Death” is concise and emotive, making it an excellent resource for advanced students. The historical and emotional depth of the novel will provide you with a better understanding of the Serbian national identity and cultural heritage.
Zoran Živković – “The Fourth Circle”
Zoran Živković, born in 1948, is an author and university professor known for his novels, short stories, and encyclopaedias. He graduated from the University of Belgrade, earned a master’s degree six years later, and a doctorate in 1982. Živković is currently a professor of creative writing at his alma mater. Živković has 23 fiction works and eight non-fiction books in his bibliography. His books have been translated into 21 languages. He writes fantastic and surreal works of fiction and has won multiple awards, including the Golden Dragon Award for lifetime achievement in 2015. “The Fourth Circle” is one of his best books, exploring a fantastic world that brings together great scientists from different periods, Sherlock Holmes, and a computer wizard trying to close the dangerous fourth circle.
Miloš Crnjanski – “Migrations”
Miloš Crnjanski was a Serbian writer, poet, and diplomat. His most famous work, the novel “Migrations,” explores the fate of the Serbian people during the Great Migration of Serbs in the 18th century. Crnjanski was born in Csongrád to a poor family and grew up in Romania. During World War I, he studied in Vienna and was drafted into the army, where he was wounded.
His works are known for their deep psychological and emotional exploration of characters and historical events. “Migrations” is one of the most important novels in Serbian literature and a key work for understanding Serbian history and culture.
Literature and Language Learning
Reading literature is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the Serbian language and culture. The books mentioned in this article are not just works of art but also windows into the history, philosophy, and life in Serbia. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, these writers will help you expand your knowledge and understanding of the Serbian language. If you choose to enrol in courses at the Academic Knowledge Centre, you will have the opportunity to work on adaptations of Serbian literature tailored to our literary workshops, where we apply knowledge from traditional foreign language teaching. This way, you will not only improve your Serbian but also gain a deeper understanding of the cultural context in which these works were created.
Remember, literature is not just a means of learning a language but also a journey through time and space, where each read page brings new knowledge and experiences. Happy reading and enjoy the world of Serbian literature! We are looking forward to meeting you!