Inquir about Andric's BRIDGE ON THE DRINA

[Daniel Kaiser]

I confess that I am an amateur--as opposed to professional--admirer of Ivo Andric's 
BRIDGE ON THE DRINA, and am therefore largely unfamiliar with the literature on 
the book.  Therefore I am looking for help in identifying the following passage that 
comments on the novel.  If the text seems familiar (even if there are minor 
differences), I would very much appreciate learning the identity of the author.  I don't 
mean to clog up everyone's emailbox, so I would be pleased to receive any 
suggestions off-line (kaiser at grinnell.edu).  Thanks very much!  


> One of the main ways the Bosnian Muslims and the Serbs were able to coexist
> was by uniting against a greater misfortune. “
for nothing brings men closer
> than a common misfortune happily overcome.” When floods would swoop through
> the village, the bridge could not be touched. In a way, the bridge symbolized
> for the villagers the strength of unity and how when standing strong, few
> things can overcome you. Many lost possessions in that flood and had to start
> anew. The novel speaks of a great flood in which the Muslims and Christians
> united one night to preserve their possessions and stored them in the houses,
> Turkish and Christian alike. As the flood began to clear the “leaders and rich
> men of the town began to warm themselves over coffee and plum brandy. A warm
> and close circle formed, like a new existence, created out of realities yet
> itself unreal.” The conversations eventually steered away from the flood and
> the men began to enjoy each others company and speak of old tales not relating
> to the tragedy. The citizens would speak of the different people in the town
> and how they interacted with one another. It seemed like the issues that had
> once driven and separated the two cultures
> were forgotten and the men were no longer Muslims or Serbs but survivors of
> tragedy celebrating their fortune.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Use your web browser to search the archives, control your subscription
  options, and more.  Visit and bookmark the SEELANGS Web Interface at:
                    http://seelangs.home.comcast.net/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------