76 pages • 2 hours read
The Cellist of Sarajevo
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Book Brief
235
Novel • Fiction
Sarajevo • 1990s
2008
Adult
14-18 years
Super Short Summary
The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway follows the intertwined lives of four individuals during the Siege of Sarajevo: Kenan, Dragan, Arrow, and the titular cellist. As they navigate their perilous reality, each character copes differently with the war's hardships. The cellist honors those killed in a mortar attack by playing Albinoni's Adagio for 22 days, providing solace and hope to others. Contains depictions of war violence.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Dark
Mysterious
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
46,265 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway has been praised for its poignant portrayal of humanity amidst the siege of Sarajevo, capturing the emotional depth and resilience of its characters. Critics commend the evocative narrative and reflective prose. Some, however, find the plot slightly predictable and the character development underwhelming. Overall, it’s a moving depiction of war's impact on individuals.
Who Should Read The Cellist of Sarajevo?
Readers who appreciate historical fiction, especially set during wartime, would find The Cellist of Sarajevo captivating. Fans of Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner or Markus Zusak's The Book Thief will enjoy its poignant exploration of human resilience, art's power, and life under siege. Its lyrical prose and deep emotional impact appeal to thoughtful and compassionate readers.
46,265 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Arrow
Arrow
A university student turned sniper for the Sarajevo Army, who struggles with the moral implications of her role and is touched by the cellist's message.
Dragan
Dragan
A 64-year-old man who isolates himself during the war but eventually seeks connection with others and a sense of purpose in rebuilding his country.
Kenan
Kenan
A middle-aged married man who regularly risks his safety to collect water for his family and an elderly neighbor, grappling with his fears amid the ongoing conflict.
235
Novel • Fiction
Sarajevo • 1990s
2008
Adult
14-18 years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.