Natalija: Life in the Balkan Powder Keg, 1880-1956

By Natalija Matić-Zrnić and Carol S. Lilly

The life story of a Serbian woman over a period of more than 70 years, preserved in memoirs, letters and mostly diaries, recounts the triumphs and tragedies of a life that takes place against the backdrop of extraordinary turbulence in the Balkans. It covers more than half a century, five wars (including the two world wars), and four ideologies.

This is a time of excitement in Serbia as its leaders carve an independent state out of the Ottoman Empire and attempt to modernize a largely rural and “backward” corner of Europe. A time of opportunity for many who join in the effort to build the infrastructure of a modern economy, as well as the growing number of middle class families who send their children, in rare cases even girls, to the emerging system of state schools. Above all, a time of war, as the expanding Serbian state comes into conflict with its neighbors and, ultimately, the Great Powers of Europe.

Accompanied by an introductory study, Natalija’s diary provides a rich background to understanding the on-going conflict in the Balkans today.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Central European University Press
• Release date: Nov 1, 2008
• ISBN: 9786155053153

Natalija Matić-Zrnić

Natalija Matić-Zrnić (Teacher). Born October 27, 1880 in Arandjelovac to father Nikola Joksimović-Marković and mother Mileva Protić. Married May 18, 1903 in Arandjelovac to Jovan Zrnić (Engineer). Married a second time February 2, 1920 in Vranje to George Matić. Died June 13, 1956 in Belgrade, where she was also buried.

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