Pages 181 - 200 Summary and Analysis

A family friend, affectionately called "Auntie" Radmila, leaves Sarajevo on a convoy, and the family is sad. A reporter friend, Alexandra, visits and shares news about the devastation in nearby Mostar. They visit the ruins of the Sarajevo library, called Vjecnica. Alexandra is returning to her own country.

On September 5th, letters stop coming into Sarajevo, which Zlata states is worse in some ways than not getting electricity or water. Zlata enjoys an orange for the first time in a long time.

On September 6th, Zlata starts seventh grade. She receives a letter from Nedo expressing his affection, which Zlata vows to memorize.

On September 17th, 1993, there is a rumor of a peace accord to be signed on September 21st. Zlata reports that the war has thus far claimed 15,000 dead and 50,000 maimed or wounded. She desperately wishes the madness...