"Cafe Europa": An Analysis

Book Review # 111516

Literature > European (other)

An analysis of Slavenka Drakulic's book, "Cafe Europa."

1,156 words () | 0 sources | 2000 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the book "Cafe Europa," by the Yugoslav author Slavenka Drakulic. The writer explains that the book provides an insightful look into the lives and politics of the residents of several countries in East Central Europe, and shows what the psychological impact of the Soviet Bloc has been on them and their struggle to become part of the west. The writer describes their values, their attitudes towards money and uniforms, and their yearning for being part of Europe that is symbolized by a Cafe Europa, or two or three, in every city. The writer concludes that this book shows what Europe is like, both East and West, and how they view each other, and that it will take a while before Eastern Europe becomes a part of the rest of the continent.

From the Paper:

"In this part of the world, the uniform has always equaled power. The uniform reflects some relation to the all-powerful state, even though it's not all-powerful anymore. Arkan, the notorious war criminal threw a large wedding in Belgrade. What did he wear? A uniform of course! Why? He wasn't an officer in the Serbian military, or any other military for that matter. He was a simple guerilla commander. He chose a Yugoslav royal army officer's uniform. He is searching for legitimacy. He wants to look heroic. "Without his uniform, his soldiers and arms, Arkan would be a nobody". The uniform is the ultimate power symbol in the Balkans and is used to justify many brutal acts all in the name of "nationalism". Drakulic tells us it is here for a long time to come. The effects of this can be felt everywhere, even Istria."