Matthew Collin

Fate often delivers, but it requires a punch in the face for its trouble. A girl once bought me this book. I read it in Heathrow and over the Atlantic. The future would dictate that I would answer Serbia's call. I went there and wound up married. That was a long time ago. Life can be rather good.

My line about "answering" refers to the original title -- Serbia Calling, a pedestrian nod to The Clash. I still like the book and think about its layered anecdotes: The KLF burning a million quid etc etc.… (more)

This is an excellent read that gives you an insight into life in Belgrade, Serbia from 1989 to 2004. Given that the events of that time are complex, this is a refreshing read that gives you some of the details of Milosovic's repressive regime, the NATO bombing and the war in Kosovo, but its triumph is that it concentrates on the people associated with the B92 radio station and others who were fighting for freedom and justice during that time.
The time line is clear, each chapter covers a couple of years and the author is clear about the people involved, explaining their position, their links etc, so you don't ever feel lost in a world of difficult to pronounce names and give up in confusion.
The lengths the Milosevic regime went to oppressive the people of Serbia are incredible, but this is mostly an inspiring book that is well put together and interesting to read.… (more)