Sons, daughters
ABOUT
THE BOOK
In the vein of majestic works such as Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides, the power of Ivana Bodrožić’s new novel is the ability to convey the experience of being locked in: socially, domestically, and intimately, told through three different perspectives. This is a story of hidden gay and trans relationships, the effects of a near-fatal accident, and an oppressed childhood, in which Ivana Bodrožić tackles the issues addressed in her previous works—issues of otherness, identity and gender, pain and guilt, injustice and violence.
ABOUT
THE TRANSLATOR Ellen
Elias-Bursac
ELLEN ELIAS-BURSAĆ translates fiction and nonfiction from Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian. She has taught in the Harvard University Slavic Department and is a contributing editor to Asymptote. She has translated all of Ivana Bodrožić’s books for Seven Stories along with Robert Perisic’s novel No-Signal Area. She lives in Boston.
ELLEN ELIAS-BURSAĆ translates fiction and nonfiction from Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian. She has taught in the Harvard University Slavic Department and is a contributing editor to Asymptote. She has translated all of Ivana Bodrožić’s books for Seven Stories along with Robert Perisic’s novel No-Signal Area. She lives in Boston.
NOMINATING LIBRARY COMMENTS
Ivana Bodrožić’s novel is a compelling exploration of the human condition. The narrative deftly interweaves the stories of three protagonists—a paralyzed daughter, a transgender son, and a mother oppressed by societal norms—each confronting the burdens of patriarchy and identity. Bodrožić’s poignant storytelling and keen insight into themes of otherness, gender, and resilience create a profound and unforgettable reading experience. This novel stands out for its emotional depth, narrative complexity, and powerful social commentary.