Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Zlata's Diary summary
Brief summary
Zlata's Diary is a powerful memoir by Zlata Filipović, a young girl living in war-torn Sarajevo. It offers a firsthand account of the devastating effects of the Bosnian War and the resilience of the human spirit.
Topics
Table of Contents
Zlata's Diary
Summary of key ideas
A Harrowing Life in Wartime
In Zlata's Diary, written by Zlata Filipović, Zlata shares her life as an 11-year-old girl at the beginning of the Bosnian war. Her diary captures the onset of this tragic period, starting with her ordinary life in Sarajevo, where she fills her life with chores, school, and family outings. Zlata enjoys a peaceful existence until the city starts being bombarded.
Zlata's initial confusion about the interruption to her way of life soon gives way to fear and devastation. She documents the bombardment day after day—the terrifying sounds; the destruction of infrastructure; the loss of her friends who either perish in the conflict or manage to flee the war-torn city. Zlata soon finds herself increasingly getting confined to the safety of her home.
The Agonies of War and Survival
The middle portion of Zlata's Diary explores her growing isolation and sadness, as she is no longer allowed to go outside due to the incessant bombing. School becomes a distant memory, her piano lessons halt, and her life revolves entirely around survival. She writes about her simple joys, like when electricity comes back on, allowing them to cook a meal, or when they receive humanitarian aid. She grapples with hard questions such as why she, a child, has to endure such a war-filled existence.
Despite the heart-wrenching conditions, Zlata credits her survival to her close-knit family. Their house is transformed into a bunker and her parents do their best to shield Zlata from the harsh realities outside. During the two-year period recorded in Zlata's diary, the Filipović family survives on canned food, lives without electricity, and longs for normalcy.
The Bleakness of War and Shadow of Hope
As Zlata chronicles the approach of her 13th birthday, she describes the war's worsening situation. She mourns friends who perished in the conflict and bears witness to the everyday atrocities of war. The bleak entries reflect the city's worsening conditions, where the survival rate plunges, access to food becomes more challenging, and a safe exit from the city remains closed.
Inspired by Anne Frank's story, Zlata reflects on the destructiveness of war and the loss of her childhood to violence. She expresses hope for peace, yearning to return to her school, friends, and normal life. Despite the sad situation, Zlata's spirit shines through her writings, and she holds onto the hope that this war would one day end.
International Outcry and Freedom
Zlata's Diary ends on a hopeful note. After being published, her diary provokes global outcry and sheds light on the tragic conditions in Bosnia. Out of concern for her well-being, people from different parts of the world call for her rescue. Eventually, the UN succeeds in evacuating the Filipović family from Sarajevo—offering her a chance, at last, to live a peaceful life.
While Zlata's diary records the burdens of war, it also acts as a symbol of endurance and resilience. Her journey encapsulates the human spirit's strength in the face of adversity. As Zlata's story concludes, her diary becomes an unforgettable testament to the horrors of war seen through the eyes of an innocent child.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Zlata's Diary about?
Zlata's Diary is a poignant and powerful memoir that chronicles the experiences of a young girl living through the Bosnian War. Through her diary entries, Zlata provides a firsthand account of the devastating effects of war on her family and community, while also expressing her hopes for a peaceful future. This book offers a unique perspective on the human cost of conflict and the resilience of the human spirit.
Zlata's Diary Review
Zlata's Diary (1993) by Zlata Filipović is a poignant and eye-opening account of a young girl's life during the Bosnian War. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Through Zlata's unfiltered and honest perspective, readers gain a deeper understanding of the human impact of war and the resilience of the human spirit.
- The book provides a personal and relatable account of ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances, shining a light on the realities of war.
- Despite the difficult subject matter, Zlata's Diary is written with sensitivity and clarity, allowing readers to empathize with the young author and her experiences.
Who should read Zlata's Diary?
- Readers who are interested in personal accounts of war and conflict
- Individuals who want to gain a deeper understanding of the human experience during times of adversity
- Those who appreciate memoirs that offer a unique perspective on historical events
Categories with Zlata's Diary
Book summaries like Zlata's Diary
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
33 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Zlata's Diary FAQs
What is the main message of Zlata's Diary?
The main message of Zlata's Diary is the impact of war on the life of a young girl.
How long does it take to read Zlata's Diary?
The reading time for Zlata's Diary depends on the reader's speed, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Zlata's Diary a good book? Is it worth reading?
Zlata's Diary is a poignant and eye-opening book. It offers a unique perspective on the Bosnian War and the resilience of a young girl.
Who is the author of Zlata's Diary?
The author of Zlata's Diary is Zlata Filipović.
What to read after Zlata's Diary?
If you're wondering what to read next after Zlata's Diary, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Emergency by Neil Strauss
- The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
- Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo
- Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
- The Man Who Fed the World by Leon Hesser
- Losing My Virginity by Richard Branson
- The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- Gang Leader For A Day by Sudhir Venkatesh
- Do No Harm by Henry Marsh