No Bread Tomorrow
A sweeping drama of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in WWII
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ISBN13: 979-8-9911901-0-7 (Paperback); 979-8-9911901-1-4 (eBook)
No Bread Tomorrow is a haunting chapter in Serbian history, leaving a lasting and painful impact on descendants who may still carry the weight of ancestral trauma from their parents or grandparents. In order to give this astonishing story of human courage and bravery the respect it deserves, and to ensure the truth remains intact, it is vital to handle this narrative with grace. No one should ever know or experience hate in such a way— ever again.
Synopsis
Set in the turbulent Kingdom of Yugoslavia during World War II and amidst the chaos of a brutal civil war, No Bread Tomorrow transports readers on a gripping journey through the lives of the Nikolić sisters. These three courageous women bravely carry a perilous secret, which, if exposed, would lead to their certain death at the hands of the Nazis.
A resilient healer and mother of seven, Zora Brković faces the challenges of caring for her seven children, including two sons of fighting age, and navigating an unfulfilling marriage. When her husband, Peda, refuses her sister's offer to send their sons to America for safekeeping, Zora's perception of him shatters, revealing a man she hardly recognizes.
Isolated and desperate, Zora struggles to protect her children from the horrors of war as her eldest son enlists in the Royal Yugoslav Army. Less than three months later, Hitler and his Axis Power viciously pounce on Yugoslavia, attacking them from all four corners. Eleven days later surrender is imminent.
In an act of incredible bravery, Zora's oldest sister, Dušica decides to honor a pact she made with her childhood friend, long ago. This particular act turns their entire family’s lives into a dangerous dance with the devil.
Meanwhile, Zora's youngest sister, Sava, a historian, and university professor in Belgrade, lives a far different life. Bored with her pampered existence, Sava's life dramatically changes after she is asked to join the prestigious, male-only Cultural Club. What they ask her to do compels her to risk her very life for the sake of her beloved country.
Zora's fears turn to relief when she learns the truth about her oldest son, Goran, but then her husband shocks her by joining the Resistance, where his expertise guides his unit in successfully blowing up some of the Third Reich's trains and trucks. Inflamed, Hitler arms more defense in Serbia, and tensions mount as the Third Reich tightens its grip over the Serbian people, systematically closing schools, businesses, restaurants, and shops.
But when a second resistance group, the Communist Partisans emerges, confusion ensues, prompting Hitler to order more ruthless retaliatory measures, including burning villages and killings of innocent civilians. Hostilities become palpable as the opposing resistance forces come together for an unforeseen event.
No Bread Tomorrow is a poignant, lesser-known account illuminating the sisters' unwavering fortitude and resilience as they fiercely safeguard their loved ones. This novel powerfully commemorates the indomitable spirit of the Nikolić sisters, who overcome adversity by supporting one another through life's most harrowing moments.
Praise
"Set in the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, Mila Evanovich’s No Bread Tomorrow(independently published in September) unravels against the backdrop of political unrest, the Third Reich’s invasion, and three sisters harboring secrets so dangerous that, if discovered, could lead to their swift demise."
-Historical Novel Society , August 2024 Magazine
"No Bread Tomorrow by Mila Evanovich is a beautifully crafted work of historical fiction that I cannot recommend highly enough... This narrative is a testament to the in- domitable strength of the human spirit. An exquisitely tender tale inspired by real-life events, this novel will linger long after the final page, and will beg to ask the tough- est question— how have we never heard of these events in the Kingdom of Yugoslavia before?"
- Voice of Serbian Fighters for Freedom, "A Must-Read Journey Through History: No Bread Tomorrow by Mila Evanovich"
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"A wonderful publication that deep-dives into a part of World War II history that is not often covered. The depth of character development intertwined with factual events of WWII in Serbia, makes this a story that will keep your attention throughout its entirety . The author has a meticulous way of including specific cultural aspects of Serbian life, while at the same time providing historical context that is accurate and plentiful. While heart wrenching, “No Bread Tomorrow” allows the reader to connect with the multitude of characters and their near insurmountable struggles. Not only is this a well researched historical publication, but a truly remarkable story of this tumultuous time in Serbian and European WWII."
-FIVE STAR AMAZON REVIEW -Superb depiction of WW II in Serbia. Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2024
Be prepared to be immersed in the horror of war at the most fundamental level
"Quite a book, quite a compelling and exhausting experience! We know, from many different perspectives, that war is hell. Some have the been-in the trenches first-hand knowledge, some the casualty count, territory won or lost news, and too many from the tragic loss of loved ones. This book, with a Dickensian level of detail, brings the almost mundane perspective of day to day living in the hell of war, in a relentless, gut-wrenching way. I know I could sense the close living quarters, the weather, the smells, the pervasive fear. The author’s character development fascinated me. I was ready to assume them to be stereotypes set in unchangeable ways, expecting them to demonstrate that no one is at their best in difficult circumstances. Instead, I found myself rejoicing in their showing their best selves in horrible times. Recommended reading, but plan breaks to catch your breath."
-FIVE STAR AMAZON REVIEW -Reviewed by Jim BR in the United States on October 5, 2024
A gripping and important story that stays with you
"This heartfelt story brings alive both the horrors of war and the amazing heroes found among everyday people. As a historical novel, it taught me facts about the suffering of the Serbian people at the hands of the Nazis that I never would have discovered. The technique of each chapter being told from a particular character's point of view is very compelling. The detailed descriptions made me feel as though I was there as events unfolded. You become emotionally involved as the people fight back in circumstances they never expected to face. I especially enjoyed the author's development of strong, loving and realistic women characters. This book is well worth your time!"
-FIVE STAR AMAZON REVIEW -Reviewed by Midwest Customer on October 17 2024
Quotes from No Bread Tomorrow
Memories surfaced of idyllic summers frolicking in the open fields of Kušići, her family’s village tucked next to Ponikve, where her mother was born. It was in this vibrant land of farmers and peasants that Zora had discovered her rich Serbian traditions. Amidst the cows, chickens, and baby lambs, it was here where Zora felt most centered.
Standing on a wobbly wooden crate in her grandmother’s kitchen, she’d experienced the delightful feeling of soft dough in her small hands for the first time. In her mind’s eye, Zora imagined the tall, rusted metal canister holding the flour in the corner, and Baka Cveta’s round face wrinkling into a smile.
Whenever Zora folded, kneaded, or pinched the dough, she was reverentially connected to the past, and to all the Serbian women who had come before her. She liked to think it somehow bound her to them in a rather profound, existential way.