Chapter 18: The Day When They Say That War Will Begin Summary and Analysis

Slavenka watches CNN from her house, watching the eighth day of the Gulf War. In her country, the presidency has issued an ultimatum to surrender all illegal arms, which many believe will lead to a revolt. Slavenka believes that war will be small and insignificant in the world's eyes. Nationalism is reasserting itself after communist repression; Tito's death has brought it on. In 1990, Croatia and Slovenia split from Yugoslavia. The Serbs want to remain in control politically, however, and they already are militarily. Slavenka is surprised that revolution has brought the possibility of nationalist war. When she goes to the grocery store, she finds that people are clearing out the stores in preparation for the coming onslaught. Slavenka listens to the radio, hearing...