John M. Zurak Kata's Father

Annotation

Mato and Mirko Pavlovic are children of the Sutjeska mountains, untamed highlands full of wild creatures and haunting mysteries. Their people have found their way for more than a thousand years by keeping up a traditional life, rich in fables, song, and dance. As children of the mountains, the brothers are touched by its magic, Mirko receiving dreams of a deep love of the sea and Mato given an unmatched skill of speed.As Mato and Mirko grow and change, so too does change sweep through their village. The winters begin to feel stretched as wealth leaves the mountains, and upheaval beyond their borders led by Tito's Communist regime threatens their way of life, causing a mountain eruption that will change the landscape forever.As their time comes for mandatory service in Tito's army, Mato and Mirko are forced to face battle threats of all shapes and sinister sizes. Both men learn the cost that must be paid if they ever hope to pursue dreams for themselves and the family they hold so dear.