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ILLEGITIMATE | Adnan Mahmutovic

If Christopher Isherwood were still around to report on the lives of immigrants in Berlin, he could not be more sharply observant—or more tender, affectionate and humorous—than Mahumtovic with his portrait of Bosnian refugee women striving to turn their streetwalking profession into a legitimate and respected enterprise.

Adnan Mahmutovic (pronounced mah-MU-to-vich) was born in 1974 in Banja Luka, in northern Bosnia. As a teenager he arrived in Sweden on a refugee bus, then for a year lived in three provisional refugee facilities. Afterward, he moved to a regular neighbourhood and started school all over again. In 1997, he relocated to Stockholm to work as a personal special-needs assistant; this employment financed his further studies in English literature and philosophy. In spring 2004, he studied creative writing and received a scholarship for graduate studies in English literature at Stockholm University. He is currently studying for his PhD. His first book, [REFUGE]E, a collection of short stories and poetry, was published in May 2005 by Konstfack University College of Arts Crafts and Design. Additionally, he has also staged Michael Frayn’s politically-charged drama, Copenhagen. Adnan is a proud member of PEN, the international organization that fights for the rights of exiled writers. Find his author's website at adnanmahmutovic.com.

PDF | 106 Pages | 8.5 x 11 | US$4.95

ISBN 9781933688107

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LEAVE A WORD ABOUT ADNAN AND ILLEGITIMATE.

Adnan, Illegitimate was powerful. It broke down paradigms -- ones that needed breaking. I really enjoyed getting into the head of Fatima. I wrote about it here http://lorigordon.wordpress.com/reviews/review-of-illegitimate/
& I hope that I was able to capture at least one or two of the vivid themes that ran the course of the story. Great work -
-Lori

May 27, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterLori Gordon
Thank you so much everyone. To be compared with my favorite writers Ondaatje and Coetzee is more than ever hoped. You really put your finger on my influences Michael.

To all other readers, please do leave comments, tell me how you feel about my work, what it gives to you. Ris och ros, as we say in Swedish (rice or rose, good or bad, not sure why Swedes think rice is bad, maybe it just rhymes with 'ros').

Adnan
May 16, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterAdnan
As I was reading the book, feelings of disgust filled me from top to toe, knowing that stuff probably took place somewhere. The book and everything in it was like music. Some parts were violent, others moving, and a few were even silent. Now, silence is a key force in writing a symphony, ask any conductor. It's just as effective as a whirlwind of sound (or words, in this case) and maybe even more so.
April 27, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterJ.D
Bismi'lllaah
Not sure what’s more exciting, waiting for meeting Adnan over Sarajevo Book-faire, or reading his “Illegitimate” once he leaves the capital of his homeland Bosnia. A reader already familiar with scenes from his first but foremost Refuge(e) is prepared to face next the very essence of a refuge(e) grief. While closing I must acknowledge - only those, honoured to taste the fine shiver of Adnan’s soul, can fully understand where comes from the unshakable power of his literary shelter.
April 22, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterMelika Salihbeg Bosnawi
Adnan, I just downloaded "Illegitimate" and can't wait to dive in. I agree with Michael, Coetzee and Coelho have such distinctive voices, and to be considered in that realm, well, it means that Illegitimate is nothing short of sensational writing! It's appropos that since Coetzee and Coelho occupy a distinctive place on my bookshelf, now Illegitimate has a place in my virtual one.

I'll be back with my favorite threads of the book. Looking forward to it!
April 20, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterLori Gordon
I bought this book after reading [Refuge]e. I recommend this book to everyone who enjoy works of Michael Ondaatje and J. M. Coetzee. I also got feelings of "Eleven Minutes" by Paulo Coelho while reading, only this book is much, much better.
April 15, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterMichael Johansson
I have ordered my copy and received it! thank you!
April 13, 2009 | Unregistered Commenterkat magendie
I can't wait to read, and to review, this book! Adnan Mahmutovic's lyrical , intelligent, unique writing lifts one up and over to places and emotions one never expects --he's one to watch out for!
April 13, 2009 | Unregistered Commenterkat magendie

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