Description
Like Eating Stones
Book Summary
Wojciech Tochman accompanies forensic scientist Ewa Klonowski and the families of the missing in post-war Bosnia. This work of literary reportage, constructed like a delicate narrative puzzle, transcends the Balkan conflict to offer a universal reflection on grief, loss, and the pursuit of justice. A work that challenges the reader to consider pain and collective memory.
What is it about?
After the Bosnian War, hundreds of families continue to search for their missing loved ones. Journalist Wojciech Tochman documents the work of forensic scientist Ewa Klonowski and the silent pilgrimage of relatives who traverse mass graves and morgues in search of answers. Through fragments of broken lives, the author builds an account that explores how grief becomes a shared experience, where forensic truth intertwines with personal memory. The work is not limited to a historical chronicle, but delves into the universal emotions that arise in the face of forced disappearance: shame, madness, hatred, and the impossibility of forgiveness in the absence of justice.
Main themes
- Grief and loss in post-war contexts.
- The search for the missing as a collective and family process.
- Historical memory and the reconstruction of truth.
- The psychological consequences of armed conflict.
- The impossibility of justice in the face of unresolved crimes.
Who is it recommended for?
Readers interested in narrative non-fiction, literary reportage, and war chronicles. It is also suitable for those seeking a deep reflection on grief, historical memory, and the human impact of armed conflicts, especially in the context of the Balkan wars.
What this book offers
- An intimate and respectful look at the grieving process of the families of the missing.
- A rigorous journalistic testimony that humanizes the statistics of war.
- A universal reflection on forgiveness, justice, and collective memory.
- A narrative style that combines literary sensitivity with documentary rigor.
Technical specifications
- Author: Wojciech Tochman
- Publisher: Libros del KO, SLL
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: Reportage and collection of journalistic articles, historical fiction, history, history: specific events and topics, Second World War
- Collection: Narrative
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: April 2015
- Number of pages: 158
- Weight: 191 g
Editorial review
A work that transcends war reporting to become a narrative essay on the human condition in the face of loss. Tochman strikes a balance between the harshness of the facts and literary sensitivity, offering a text that is as compelling for its documentary value as it is for its emotional depth. Recommended for readers looking for a reflective and moving read on the open wounds of recent history.