Na Drini ćuprija
Ivo Andrić's novel, published in 1945, is a masterpiece of world literature and winner of the Nobel Prize in 1961. Set in Višegrad, the story follows the history of the bridge over the Drina River from the 16th to the 20th centuries, built by Mehmed-paša
The Drina Bridge is not only an architectural marvel, but also a symbol of connections between cultures, religions and eras, as well as a witness to conflict and suffering. The novel chronologically depicts the lives of the people around the bridge – Bosniaks, Serbs, Turks, Jews – through the centuries of the Ottoman Empire, Austro-Hungarian rule and World War I. Andrić masterfully interweaves the destinies of individuals, such as the girl Fata, who throws herself off the bridge, or the peasants struggling with floods and wars. The bridge stands as a metaphor for permanence amidst the transience of human lives, reflecting the complex relationships between East and West.
Through rich descriptions and a narrative style that combines epic breadth with intimate moments, Andrić explores themes of fate, identity, power and transience. The novel deals with universal questions of human existence, but also with the specificities of Balkan history, showing how the bridge connects but also divides communities. It ends tragically, with the partial collapse of the bridge in 1914, symbolizing the end of an era. The work has been praised for its philosophical depth and literary beauty, leaving a lasting impact on readers.
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