Cultural Fusion: The Literature Of Ivo Andri

The life of writer and novelist Ivo Andrić is interconnected with politics, literature and history. He was the voice for his torn country, and much like Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, he represented his country when he worked in the diplomatic position as the Deputy Foreign Minister. His unique background, divided between Bosnia, Croatia and Serbia, enabled him to create some of his most famous written works.

Ivo Andrić’s past can be linked back to Bosnia, the place where he was born, and where he lived with his mother’s family in the eastern town of Višegrad. The writer’s upbringing stands as an example of the type of situation which has so often given birth to some of the great authors in history. Andrić’s tales, poems and novels show a great deal of influence from his mother country, exploring vanished and wasted land, as well as political disgrace. Unknown for most of his early career, it was only when he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature that he finally reached an international audience. He is now considered one of the most important European authors, whose lyrical timbre is perfectly mixed with his political and social commitment.

The Bridge on the Drina (1945) based around the author’s home town, is seen as an important historical novel which reflects Bosnian history, Turkish occupation and Balkan traditions in general. It is comparable to Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables (1862) for its cohesive narrative power, intertwined with the lives of its protagonists’. It can also be seen as evocative of ancient literary situations, which are somehow part of the modern literary canon from Cervantes’ Don Quixote (1605-1615) to Joyce’s Ulysses.
According to Andrić’s writings, history has to be told through human existence, especially in fragmented countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is reflective of his childhood; he was born in Bosnia with Croatia parents, and later moved to Serbia where he spent his later years. Influenced greatly by three different cultures, these experiences became the tools which Andrić used so well to create written masterpieces.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.