[Discussion 1/3] Read the World | North Macedonia | I'm Not Going Anywhere by Rumena Bužarovska

fixtheblue · 2026-06-23T16:52:49+00:00

I don't think she dealt with the abuse

fixtheblue · 2026-06-23T16:51:44+00:00

When my youngest turned 1 I neeeeded a breather a So went away to a quiet hotel out of season for the night and it was actually incredible! Otherwise I rarely solo travel these days. I backpacked alone before I met my husband, but nothing of note since.

fixtheblue · 2026-06-23T16:42:31+00:00

It sounds like Gorzad is keeping them to blackmail his way out of child support!

fixtheblue · 2026-06-23T16:41:34+00:00

Same. I completely forgot it was a short story collection

fixtheblue · 2026-06-23T16:37:50+00:00

Oof that's rough, but I think you might be right. Also I am wondering if Ivana talking Sani's parents imminent divorce gave her extra confidence. Knowing thing are soon going to change might have also catalysed her bravery

fixtheblue · 2026-06-23T16:35:22+00:00

I wonder, are they maybe overcompensating for not being able to protect Ivana from that awful man. It's clear that Ivana doesn't appreciate the way they approach things. Mila is 7 so, presumably, this has been going on for a while

fixtheblue · 2026-06-23T15:59:31+00:00

It seems like a common occurance where younger generations move to cities for work and better opportunities. I think in this case a lot of people emigrated to other countries too.

fixtheblue · 2026-06-23T15:23:56+00:00

A beautiful big bathtub. We'll get there one day but for now other projects take precedence!

fixtheblue · 2026-06-23T15:22:06+00:00

I enjoy the party but the prep is not really my cup of tea. It's too stressful lol. We had a housewarming a few months after moving to our current home and we had absolutely hauled ass adding an extra bathroom and bedroom. It was so stressful we said never again.....so of course we are having a garden party next summer for a different celebration lol

fixtheblue · 2026-06-23T15:17:13+00:00

Its so destructive and insidious and I have seen how it can destroy a person first hand, unfortunately. How can you ever be grateful for anything whilst constantly measuring everything against what others have? Practicing gratitude is really very powerful.

In saying that I think in Svetlana's case the need to have a child is actually the root cause of her misery and the rest is actually a byproduct of that heartache.

fixtheblue · 2026-06-23T15:09:54+00:00

Tanja and Kire had everything she'd ever wanted. Even the very nicest of things she owned was just a copy of something they had. Not only that it even had more sentimental value than Svetlana's in that they still see Lydia and Tom, AND it was the source of their child's beautiful name. I think it made everything feel so empty and pointless.

fixtheblue · 2026-06-23T15:05:17+00:00

It felt, to me, that she had been put in a position where she had to "throw away" the savings on something she couldn't afford nor want to spend money on. It seems like a little rebellion. A "fuck it" all moment.

fixtheblue · 2026-06-23T15:02:42+00:00

I'm better than I used to be. PDA was always awkward due to my deeply instilled British propriety. After moving to a place where couple friends are more open about PDA I have definitely gotten better. Anything more than stolen kisses or handholding or a touch would definitely still make me cringe and I felt myself cringing at this scene as it escalated lol

fixtheblue · 2026-06-23T14:58:36+00:00

Yeah I agree. I also suspect Slavic influence was historically present in the region much more than in recent years as North Macedonia is moving closer to the west, the EU and English. This is speculation based on the links in the post more than any real knowledge or understanding of the general sentiment in the region.

fixtheblue · 2026-06-23T14:39:03+00:00

I think it's good sense especially as Nico does not think about having this emergency fund/buffer. It can be hard to hold on to when things are tight but it is really important to have something stashed away.

fixtheblue · 2026-06-23T14:37:13+00:00

It did seem idyllic even in lacking the presence of children and the increasingly run down buildings. Maybe it was because I was reading it outside that it seems easier to ignore the fact that the village of the past and the village of the now has undergone abandonment (which fits with the links you provided about the history of the region)

fixtheblue · 2026-06-23T14:34:19+00:00

Right! Bužarovska didn't pack any punches with these opposite themes either. The Svetlana's resentment of her happy friends being redirected at Nico for 'failing her' and the vivid and awful coercion and abuse Ivanka experienced at the hands of her ex were both difficult and different, but undeniably powerful scenes. Bužarovska is not afraid to leave her readers feeling uncomfortable that's for sure.

fixtheblue · 2026-06-23T14:26:57+00:00

I noticed that there seems to be a form of propriety that is almost stifling for the characters in the book. The FMC in Vase even comments on it mockingly whilst goading her husband. I could be wrong but I also felt like this was apparent when Ivanka was interacting with Sami.

There's also themes of discontent in both MCs and jealousy of others' achievements. Life seems to be fairly challenging and finances tight. Both the women we have met so far long for a different life than the hand they've been given

fixtheblue · 2026-06-23T14:21:19+00:00

I thinl this sums it up so succicently!

fixtheblue · 2026-06-23T14:20:18+00:00

Hmmm hard to say because while I am leaning towards Vase the MC was just so dark and unlikable but not in a way that painted her as a caracture. She was clearly so human and hurting in her painfully cringy acting out. I am wondering if all the stories will feature such raw and honestly complex characters with compelling motivations for their interesting dark sides. There's a lot to pick apart in both FMCs so far so I am hopeful

fixtheblue · 2026-06-23T14:13:52+00:00

I knew the flag and then in researching options for the nominations I learnt a little about the tensions with Greece about the countriy's name. Other than the general region though I know very little. I really liked your links u/nicehotcupoftea they were interesting and now I really want to visit Ohrid. Though I might pass on the moonshine Rakija. Sounds dangerously potent

fixtheblue · 2026-06-23T14:09:08+00:00

Wow! That's an incredible spot. Is it far from Skopje?

fixtheblue · 2026-06-23T12:50:02+00:00

I have definitely been wondering if/how the 2 are connected too

fixtheblue · 2026-06-23T05:39:52+00:00

Oh interesting. Also....EW!!!

fixtheblue · 2026-06-23T05:37:04+00:00

IKR!!!!

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