Zlata's Diary: A Child's Life in Wartime Sarajevo

Journalists continue to visit Zlata and compare her to Anne Frank. She does not enjoy this type of notoriety and hopes that she can escape Frank’s fate. She completes sixth grade with straight A’s. At this point, the family has had no electricity, water, or bread for three months, and food is becoming scarce. With winter on the horizon, Zlata feels dread.

In early August, Zlata receives word from Auntie Boda that her cat, Cici, has died from pregnancy complications. With music exams on the horizon, Zlata must remain focused and move on with her life, though she misses her cat dearly. By mid-August, the family receives word from Maja, Bojana, and Nedo, who has joined Maja and Bojana in Vienna. He will marry on August 26. Everyone is happy he is safe. The family, along with neighbors, celebrate Nedo’s wedding day with a cake and whatever food they can gather. Zlata notes that it is not a real wedding but an imitation.

Zlata’s mother’s friend, Auntie Radmila, and her husband, Uncle Tomo, leave Sarajevo. Her mother’s only remaining friend is her co-worker, Zlata’s auntie Ivanka, and the family knows that she will be leaving soon. Zlata’s best friend, Mirna, is still in the city, and they have sleepovers in a semblance of a normal childhood.