Le sauvetage du soldat Dežulović et de ses collaborateurs

A group of soldiers, including Captain Boris Dežulović and his assistants, was recently rescued from a difficult situation following a series of events described in a novel. The rescue operation took place on July 20, 2026, during a gathering at the Sarajevo-based War Reporting Festival WARM, held in the basement of the BiH Art Gallery. The event drew considerable attention from local media and literary circles, highlighting the intersection of fiction and real-world narratives. The novel, which features Captain Dežulović and his team, has been published under different titles and publishers. In Croatia, it was released by the publishing house Libris, while in Bosnia and Herzegovina, it was published by the new publishing house Buna in Mostar. The book is presented as a dark warning to society about impending collapse, and it received recognition through the prestigious Tportal Award, which includes a prize of 15,000 euros, a sculpture by artist Silvia Vujčić, and an audiobook edition produced by Book&Zvook. According to the author, the story in the novel contains no fictional elements. However, this claim is somewhat exaggerated, as literature often blends authentic historical events with imaginative storytelling. The narrative centers around an American journalist and film director named Frederick Walter, who serves as the protagonist’s alter ego. This character arrives in Munich in the autumn of 1923, intending to assassinate Adolf Hitler after a failed attempt to overthrow the Bavarian government. The plot explores how such an act might have altered the course of history, potentially preventing the Second World War. Throughout the journey, the protagonist encounters various obstacles, including paramilitary groups, white guards, black barons, Polish nationalists, and Crimean killers, creating a surreal, tragic circus of events that ultimately ends in tragedy. The author's account suggests that the novel is grounded in real historical contexts, enriched by fictional elements. While the narrative is framed as non-fictional, the inclusion of imagined characters and scenarios underscores the power of literature to explore complex historical themes. The novel's reception highlights its significance within both literary and cultural spheres, particularly in regions affected by political turmoil and conflict. Local media and literary communities expressed interest in the novel, noting its potential to provoke thought and discussion about historical events and their implications. The festival setting further emphasized the relevance of the work, as attendees engaged with the themes of war, resistance, and the consequences of human actions. As the novel continues to gain traction, it is anticipated that discussions surrounding its content and context will expand, offering deeper insights into the interplay between historical truth and creative interpretation. The ongoing engagement with the novel reflects broader societal interests in understanding past events and their impact on present realities.