Summary: Jonathan Groubert follows his Bosnian in laws up a mountain to take part in a Serbian Orthodox tradition and discovers the true mean of Christmas.
This is an interesting piece about Christmas in a foreign land -- the strange traditions which inspire both laughter and tears, the intimate connections made with strangers and old friends alike, and the suprising feelings that come from spending time in a war ravaged land. This is a personal piece, told in first person by a reporter visiting his family, so it would make sense in a magazine style show or any program that would value a unique, individual take on the holidays.
I was a bit turned off by the initial "wacky holiday celebrations!" take that predominates the first half of the piece -- it feels extremely trite when the narrator tells us to ignore the whole history of the Bosnian war. But by the end of the story, as the reporter embraces the full emotional impact that war can have on Christmas and on a community, the story goes to a new level worthy of the holiday it's celebrating.
Comments for A Bosnian Christmas Carol
This piece belongs to the series "RN EuroQuest: Public Radio's Weekly European Journal"
Produced by Jonathan Groubert
Other pieces by Radio Netherlands Worldwide
Rating Summary
2 comments
Ben Adair
Posted on December 18, 2006 at 08:39 AM | Permalink
Review of A Bosnian Christmas Carol
This is an interesting piece about Christmas in a foreign land -- the strange traditions which inspire both laughter and tears, the intimate connections made with strangers and old friends alike, and the suprising feelings that come from spending time in a war ravaged land. This is a personal piece, told in first person by a reporter visiting his family, so it would make sense in a magazine style show or any program that would value a unique, individual take on the holidays.
I was a bit turned off by the initial "wacky holiday celebrations!" take that predominates the first half of the piece -- it feels extremely trite when the narrator tells us to ignore the whole history of the Bosnian war. But by the end of the story, as the reporter embraces the full emotional impact that war can have on Christmas and on a community, the story goes to a new level worthy of the holiday it's celebrating.
Kim Fox
Posted on December 08, 2005 at 01:21 PM | Permalink
Review of A Bosnian Christmas Carol
This piece was quite engaging on many levels.
The narrator's delivery was perfect, very pleasing.
The nat sound made me feel as if I was there.
The story was at times humorous and also heartfelt.
The music selection made the piece upbeat