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Historical Fiction· Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Fortress

by Meša Selimović
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1970Serbo-Croatian
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About This Book

The Fortress by Meša Selimović is a landmark work of historical fiction, first published in 1970. Set in 18th-century Sarajevo, this novel follows the life of Ahmet Shabo, a young man returning home after surviving the horrors of war. It is a profound exploration of the human spirit, love, and the quest for meaning in a world marked by chaos and uncertainty. Selimović's work is praised for its deep psychological insight and lyrical prose. Themes of war and peace, love, identity run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorMeša Selimović
Published1970
Country of Origin🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina
LanguageSerbo-Croatian
Category🗺️ Historical Fiction
ISBN978-0810113460
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

🗺️ Historical Fiction

Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

Explore all Historical Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina

This book is part of Bosnia and Herzegovina's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Bosnia and Herzegovina →

Editorial Assessment

First published in 1970, Meša Selimović's The Fortress is a work of historical fiction that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with war and peace, love, identity, search for meaning gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre. Critics and institutions have consistently placed The Fortress among the notable works of its period. Our aggregate score of 30/100 is compiled from 0 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. Readers coming to The Fortress for the first time will find a work that rewards patience. The book's handling of war and peace, love, identity, search for meaning is layered rather than didactic, and a second reading often reveals dimensions the first pass only hinted at. The Fortress reflects Meša Selimović's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with Bosnia and Herzegovina's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from multiple independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.
✍️
About the Author
Meša Selimović
Bosnia and Herzegovina
View Author →

Meša Selimović is a Bosnia and Herzegovina author whose work in historical fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Fortress about?

Set in 18th-century Sarajevo, this novel follows the life of Ahmet Shabo, a young man returning home after surviving the horrors of war. It is a profound exploration of the human spirit, love, and the quest for meaning in a world marked by chaos and uncertainty. Selimović's work is praised for its deep psychological insight and lyrical prose.

Who wrote The Fortress?

The Fortress was written by Meša Selimović, from Bosnia and Herzegovina. First published in 1970.

What awards has The Fortress won?

The Fortress has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is The Fortress worth reading?

The Fortress is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in war and peace, love, identity.

Where can I buy The Fortress?

You can buy The Fortress on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Fortress?

The Fortress is classified as Historical Fiction. Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

What country is The Fortress from?

The Fortress originates from Bosnia and Herzegovina's literary tradition. Explore more books from Bosnia and Herzegovina on our country page.

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